Four-step plan to put Gearagh on global map

The West Cork Ecology Centre has drawn up a long-term plan that it believes would not only secure the future of The Gearagh but would also develop the future economy of the River Basin in tandem with “best environmental practices”.

The Lee Basin Sustainable Management Plan contains a four-step process that renowned biologist Kevin Corcoran said would see a restored Gearagh help create the spring board for “a whole new sustainable, eco-tourism initiative for Cork, the Lee Valley and the whole southwest region”.

The first step of the initiative would entail the restoration of The Gearagh with the support of the ESB, including the establishment of an ‘on-site’ interpretive and educational centre.

Mr Corcoran said the second step would be maintaining and improving the river to facilitate the return of Salmon.

“The river is still reasonably healthy so it is vital there is no further degradation. We must continue to promote our country as a source of clean, healthy food, produced in a sustainable and environmentally sound way,” said Mr Corcoran.

The plan also aims to get various groups to back the initiative, for example encouraging forestry outfits to adopt “modern sustainable targets” and farmers to use more sustainable and bio-diverse methods of food production.

“Other industries must also be encouraged to work towards a modern, sustainable label,” said Mr Corcoran.

This dovetails nicely with the final step of the plan, promoting community initiatives that develop local industries and “life style opportunities.”

These include the development of a walk ‘from source to sea’, retreat centres, educational and outdoor leisure facilities and educational programmes in tandem with local communities and third level institutes.

Mr Corcoran said the plan was based on a working model used in the development of the Bialowieza Forest in eastern Poland.

“This conservation and eco-tourism initiative has brought huge economic benefits. A similar project here in The Gearagh would bring with it huge economic benefits to the region and put it on the international map making it a ‘must see’ for tourists visiting the Lee valley,” he said.