Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan (TD Malcolm Noonan) unveiled an ambitious new Strategic Plan to inspire responsible outdoor recreation over the next three years.
In February 2021, a stakeholder engagement process was launched involving key Leave No Trace stakeholders and the public through interviews and surveys. As a result of this process, Leave No Trace Ireland has a new mission statement:
“To enhance opportunities for environmental protection and responsible recreation on the island of Ireland, which is in harmony with our shared outdoor heritage, through
- Research-based action
- Promoting the sustainable enjoyment of outdoor recreation.
- Educating environmentalists.
- Involvement in environmental projects.
- Partnerships with stakeholders “
and a new vision: “Inspire responsible outdoor recreation”.
Speaking about the launch of the new Leave No Trace in Ireland Strategic Plan, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan said the new plan reflects the changing relationship with nature and the need for stakeholders to work together in guiding it. .
“We’ve all witnessed a remarkable reconnection with nature over the past year, and this new Strategic Plan reflects that – and much more. Since the arrival of the coronavirus in 2020, ‘Nature Outdoors’ has never been more important to us than it was before. Where the pandemic has confined us, nature has set us free and many of us have sought refuge in nature, whether it’s shared recreation or more. adventure tourism, boating and camping. Taking care of our natural heritage is a joint effort; we all have a role to play and so this far-reaching plan is welcome.”
Leave No Trace Ireland CEO Maura Keeley said:
“A significant amount of work has gone into the preparation of the new Strategic Plan 2021-2024. The new Strategic Plan will respond to Covid-19 as well as provide adequate resources to scale up the organisation to provide an accessible and effective national framework for responsible outdoor recreation for all stakeholders”.
Leave No Trace Ireland chairman Paddy Doherty said:
“During 2020, the organisation undertook significant work to develop a new Strategic Plan for the period 2021 to 2024. It has been serious work, involving our key stakeholders, trainers, participants and the public. I am pleased to report that the final Strategic Plan has been approved and will guide the development of the organisation over the next three years.
The new Strategic Plan 2021-2024 sets out five overarching Leave No Trace Ireland strategic actions for the next three years. This is a core part of Leave No Trace and will guide the organisation in realising its vision, mission and values. The plan is virtually focused and the Executive will develop annual work plans based on ambition for each of the five strategic actions. Key performance indicators for all actions will be monitored.
During 2020, the Leave No Trace Ireland board participated in several strategic planning discussions. This process was co-ordinated by the Leave No Trace Ireland strategy subgroup set up by the board and chaired by Dr Richard Thorne, independent expert co-ordinator. The strategic planning process began with a review of the previous 5-year strategy and an environmental analysis. The SWOT analysis, which focused on the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation, and the subsequent external threats and opportunities. The strategy subgroup considered the vision, mission and values and organised board discussions for suggestions. A full assessment of Leave No Trace’s strategic goals and indicators of success was undertaken. A draft report was prepared and carefully reviewed by the board.
The final version of the strategic plan was approved by the board and Leave No Trace Ireland is now in the process of implementing it.
About Leave No Trace Ireland:
Leave No Trace Ireland is Ireland's only outdoor ethics programme that promotes responsible use of the environment. Through education, research and partnership, Leave No Trace Ireland empowers and supports individuals, communities, organisations and companies to reduce the environmental impact of outdoor activities. Key members include: National Parks and Wildlife Service Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Sport Ireland, Department of Rural and Community Development, Public Works Authority, Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland, Coillte and Dublin City Council.