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| ABOUT US |
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The Irish Uplands Forum [IUF] was founded in 1995 consequent on the Conference in Galway Seeking a Partnership towards Managing Ireland’s Uplands. The purpose of the Forum purpose was, and remains, to improve mutual understanding among users of the countryside, from farmers to recreationalists to commercial users to State bodies.
Under the leadership of Prof Adrian Phillips of Trinity College Dublin it flourished for a few years, but became quiescent through lack of funding. It came to life again after the Mountaineering Council of Ireland’s Sligo Conference The Creation of Partnership in Ireland’s Upland Regions in 2002, and has been active ever since. It was a bad blow when Prof Phillips died in 2005, but it has flourished under Chairs Dr Mary Tubridy and Frank Nugent.
The main object of IUF is to promote the development of a partnership approach to the sustainable management of Upland areas in Ireland. Its policy is to carry out projects, generally in conjunction with other bodies, to:
- Conduct workshops and study visits to examine issues affecting the uplands
- Provide practical support to established, and start-up local partnerships to support sustainable local community management in upland areas (One of the first achievements of the Forum was the practical support for the establishment of the Wicklow Upland Council (WUC) based on a community partnership structure.)
- Undertake research on current socio-economic and environmental issues affecting landscapes and communities in the uplands
- Support the Leave No Trace programme which is designed to promote responsible use of the outdoor environment
- Contribute as an active member of Comhairle na Tuaithe to the preparation and implementation of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy, and generally to promote good relations between recreational users and the farming community
- Study upland management in other countries where it may be relevant to Irish situations
- Provide a resource centre on sustainable development in upland areas
We define the uplands as all land above 300m, plus those areas, such as the Burren and other areas along the western seaboard where upland conditions descend to sea level. The Forum is always looking for opportunities to work with new partners on local and national projects concerned with the uplands and welcomes new members who wish to be involved in its activities.
Membership is open to organisations and individuals interested in the objects and activities of the Forum. The annual subscription is €10 for an individual and €50 for an organisation.
In 2008 the Forum became a Limited Company, governed by a Board of Directors who are elected at the AGM which is held in Spring each year. To view our Board Member details click here.
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