2024 was a key year for biodiversity in Europe. In 2023 reports by the Citizen Assembly on biodiversity loss and then the Joint Committee on the Environment and Climate Action were published. The EU Nature Restoration Law entered into force in August and the Irish Marine Protected Area (MPA) followed soon after. The Nature Restoration Law and ongoing measures to designate, manage and restore Natura 2000 sites, offer new opportunities for public participation and citizen science.
The Coastwatch team extends their gratitude to all the participants, especially to all of the wonderful presenters, especially Marcial Bardolet Govern de les Illes Balears who traveled from Spain and gave such an inspiring example of a country that does protect all of its seagrass.
Thanks also to workshop facilitators, legal experts and reporters, and all who helped with organising as well as the hosts in the Department of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin & of course to Coastwatchers from all around the island who contribute so much to the citizen science work of Coastwatch.
This seminar was organized in partnership with the Irish Environmental Network & Trinity College Dublin.
