·         Cathryn Hannon, NPWS

Ms. Catherine Hannon from the NPWS delivered a presentation to the members remotely by MS Teams on the proposed Mid Shannon Biosphere UNESCO application.

·         There are 669 Biosphere Reserves in 120 countries worldwide. They are internationally recognised, nominated by national governments and remain under sovereign jurisdiction of the country where they are located. They are also a network for Research, Environmental Education & Training.

·         Through consultation process the State submits a Nomination form to the International Co-ordinating Council of the MAB Program.

Biosphere Reserves have no legal standing - UNESCO assumes countries take measures to protect sites by ‘existing’ protection means (Local & Area Development Plans/Existing Planning Regulations/ Natura 2000 Network/Statutory Nature Reserves etc.)

·         UNESCO proposed Mid Shannon Biosphere & Environs is about active management of all the things we’re proud of.

·         There are two Biospheres in Ireland – Dublin Bay Biosphere Reserve and Kerry Biosphere Reserve.

·         BR’s are traditionally organised into three interrelated zones:

o   Core Zone – this zone prioritises conservation and biological diversity. In parallel to conservation, economic activities can also be developed such as environmental education, research, environmental conservation and rehabilitation activities, recreational and Eco-tourism activities. The Core Zone could be the existing Natura 2000 Network sites.

o   Buffer Zone – identified as areas connected to the Core Zone and can host activities that are compatible with the Core Zone. Can be essential for maintaining biological & cultural diversity.

o   Transition Zone – where sustainable resource management practices are promoted and developed.

·         3 Functions of Biosphere Reserves:

o   Conservation  - The importance of the site for conservation of biological and cultural diversity at Regional and/or Global scales.

o   Development – foster economic and human development which is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable

o   Logistic support –support for demonstration projects, environmental education and training, research and monitoring related to local, nation and global issues

·         Different from other Bio Reserves in Ireland, Mid Shannon & Environs BR based on Wetlands and their importance for Wildlife/role in Climate Change & Solutions/provision of eco-tourism/Carbon sequestration,/Education and Awareness/Research.

·         The proposed Preliminary Working Boundary of Mid Shannon & Environs BR is based on the logic which aligns with sub-catchments developed by EPA under the Water Framework Directive. This is a flexible preliminary boundary and is a good starting point.

·         Lough Ree, at the centre of the proposed BR, is surrounded by three sub-catchments of the Upper Shannon Catchment natural watershed demarcation.

·         The natural demarcation of the proposed boundary captures the northerly direction flow of water towards Lough Ree to its out flow point at Athlone.

·         Mid Shannon Biosphere & Environs: Total area is 2,081.87 Sq. Km and the

Combined Natura 2000 sites Core Zone is 169.62 Sq. Km

o   Roscommon: 908.82 Sq. Km (Core Zone Area of Natura 2000 Sites 69.03 Sq. Km)

o   Longford: 652.43 Sq. Km (Core Zone Area of Natura 2000 Sites 59.89 Sq. Km)

o   Leitrim: 375.10 Sq. Km (Core Zone Area of Natura 2000 Sites 0 Sq. Km)

o   Westmeath: 145.52 Sq. Km (Core Zone Area of Natura 2000 Sites 40.74 Sq. Km)

·         The Mid Shannon Biosphere and Environs, compared to other biosphere regions, has an outstanding combination of wetland landscapes, nature, wildlife, culture and heritage and together with communities and resilient rural workforce who want to thrive and have a good quality of living.

·         The Reserve fits in with Management of ecosystems, aligning local authorities and community groups and socio-economic benefits with Climate Change, Bio-diversity and Eco-Tourism remit on Regional and National scale

·         Goal is to submit Nomination Form Application to UNESCO September 2021).

o   Cost €5,000 per local authority the outstanding amount paid by DHLGH-NPWS (approx €15,000).

o   Prepare tender document for e-Tender Jan to mid-Feb 2021.

o   Engage consultants to complete Nomination Form & Consultation Process in Mar-May 2021. Steering Group to liaise with Consultants throughout process.

o   Update Public Representatives in June-July 2021

·         The Challenges include:

o   Difficulty in maintaining stakeholder engagement levels.

o   Keeping people and organisations engaged during the running of the establishment of the Reserve

o   UNESCO BRs do not provide funding. Core funding is dependent on local authorities and Government Department.

o   Lack of awareness & Misunderstanding around the concept (enabling a voice for a biodiversity agenda in enhancing economic potential).

o   Maintaining cohesion & successful governance due to wide range of geographical spread & stakeholder representation.

o   Multi-sectoral representation in governance structures can influence decision making and giving way to ‘no-one in charge’.

·         The benefits of a UNESCO Biosphere reserve include:

o   International recognition and providing a boost to local & regional economy with branding. This has the power to strengthen our economy by amplifying our international reputation, creating business and employment opportunities. It also fosters pride in our unique way of life and, of course, will ultimately help to maintain and improve our exceptional landscapes and environment

o   Good Model for Governance: Cohesion of governance structures relating to Socio-Economic functions/Climate change Solutions/Sustainable Tourism/Recreational Plans & Projects/Tourism Potential. Governance Structure such as a ‘Biosphere Partnership’ or ‘Steering Group’ to consult and represent those living and working within the Biosphere. Collaborative decision making.

o   Constraints of funding is considerably reduced as each local authority and Department share costs. Biosphere Team with paid staff include Biosphere Officer & admin office.

o   Attracting funding & resources. - Biosphere Partnership and cohesion with representatives from a range of stakeholders.

o   Complimentary to proposed and existing major Projects for the Region.UNESCO Biosphere Reserve concept can be used as a framework to guide and reinforce projects. Support eco-tourism, climate change actions & solutions, demonstration projects, environmental education and training, research and monitoring related to local, nation and global issue

The Cathaoirleach and members thanked Ms. Hannon for her presentation and discussed as follows:

·         Support the proposed application that is fitting and timely and an opportunity to protect what is valuable in this area.

·         This is a positive development for the four counties involved and will enhance tourism product in the region.

·         Welcome assurances that there will be no further restrictions or implications for private lands.

·         The tie into Athlone IT will enhance the research.

·         This is a great opportunity for the region – a win win situation

·         Concern with regard to the removal of railway tracks and locomotives used by Bord na Mona in the local boglands. They must be preserved at all costs.

·         Of main concern is that jobs lost in the region must be replaced.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr Crosby

It was AGREED that Roscommon County Council support the Mid Shannon Bio Reserve application.