Last month we commented on Irish Celtic Spirituality in
regard to respect for the environment, which perhaps is one of the factors
contributing to Ireland’s serious efforts to become a sustainable country. Although Ireland is a relatively small
country with a relatively uniform warm and moist climate, it has significant
environmental diversity, a history of exploitation of resources, and a growing
urban population all of which might offer other countries some models for
sustainable development. Ireland, like
our own country, wishes to both maintain and share its beautiful landscapes.
For example, SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland)
provides resources and support for energy research, audits, and practical
solutions for home and businesses. SEAI
identifies potential for bioenergy, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and heat
demand. Ireland, along with many other
European countries is committed to making a transition to a resource-efficient,
low-carbon, and environmentally-friendly economy. They manage their progress through their own
Environmental Protection Agency.
EcoTourism
Ireland assists tourism entities to manage more sustainably by training
businesses to understand the factors that contribute to environmental
degradation and climate change, and adapt accordingly. They know that marketing their positive
environmental policies brings tourists that want to share in the protection of
natural landscapes, historic sites, and leave that heritage for others. They in turn work with such local
organizations as the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, but also with the
EcoTourism projects of other European Countries.
…Larry Brown,
Sustainable Living Steering Committee
No comments:
Post a Comment