Deep Maps: West Cork Coastal Cultures Workshop

31 Jan 2017

On 17th January, a group of 30 stakeholders gathered in the Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen to discuss key questions as part of the Deep Maps: West Cork Coastal Cultures project. 

The workshop follows on from two questionnaires which were conducted in the study area about marine environmental issues and policy. The stakeholders represented different sectors which included: tourism, government, general public, community groups, commercial, and the fishing industry. They were divided into groups to discuss the outlined questions. Topics such as the benefits and concerns for the marine environment were examined. Deep Maps asked the stakeholders about the appropriateness of marine conservation efforts and how can marine environmental issues and policies be communicated more effectively? Also, ideas of what can be done so that there is a greater understanding of marine environmental issues and policies at a local level were put forward. Finally, the workshop looked at the role of culture and heritage with regard to the marine environment and changes in the coastal area as perceived by the stakeholders were explored.

A very informative and interesting workshop. Thanks to all those who attended!