An Taisce - The National Trust for Ireland, is proud to announce the release of the final report for the Legacy4Life programme. This pioneering initiative is co-funded by the EU LIFE Programme, the European Climate Foundation, as well as The Climate Action Fund (run by The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications), and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It has made significant strides in enhancing biodiversity, protecting the environment, and advancing climate mitigation efforts over its two-year run.

Minister of State Malcolm Noonan today launched the final report programme at an event held in Tailors Hall, Dublin. 

The Legacy4Life programme, which began in 2021, has been a beacon of community-driven environmental action. It comprises three distinct projects: Promoting Ponds as Reservoirs of Biodiversity, Advancing Farm-to-Fork, and Green Communities - Development of a Low Carbon Town Plan. Each project has contributed uniquely to Ireland’s natural environment, fostering ecosystem resilience and promoting sustainable practices.

Promoting Ponds as Reservoirs of Biodiversity focused on improving Ireland's ponds' role as biodiversity refugia by supporting capacity development and expertise in pond creation, management, and conservation. It aimed to raise public awareness about ponds' value, water quality, and climate mitigation benefits through projects, public engagement, workshops, and national collaboration. This project successfully addressed the need for a leading voice on ponds in Ireland, highlighting the need for an All-Ireland Pond Plan. 

Advancing Farm-to-Fork has tackled the challenges of organic agriculture, promoting its role in delivering a robust and resilient food system in Ireland. The project aligns with the European Green Deal’s objectives, seeking to transform the EU’s food system under its Farm to Fork Strategy.  This project exceeded expectations, bridging the gap between the farming community and the environmental/NGO community in Ireland. The farming community's interest in nature-based practices and biodiversity restoration was evident, and many farmers used materials from the Ponds programme to create ponds for better water quality and biodiversity outcomes.

Green Communities has developed a template for low carbon community plans, setting a standard for urban and rural areas alike. 

The Green Communities Handbook aims to engage citizens in the planning of their future, allowing them to vote for their preferred decarbonisation activity. The Green Communities Carbon Calculator allows users to manipulate levers to lower their carbon emissions at a community level. The calculator is currently in beta. 

The final report provides comprehensive insights into the programme’s achievements and outlines recommendations for future environmental initiatives. It serves as a testament to the power of collaborative action and the importance of community involvement in environmental stewardship.

An Taisce would like to thank all partners, stakeholders, and community members who have contributed to the success of the Legacy4Life programme. The final report is not just a culmination of past efforts but a stepping stone towards a more sustainable and resilient future for Ireland.

For more information about the Legacy4Life programme and to access the final report, please click here.