The Irish Ramsar Wetlands Committee (IRWC) were thrilled to have Martha Farrell from the Maharees Community Association (MCA) speak at the Voices and Vision for Ireland’s Wetlands conference earlier this year. The audience, including the Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands, Dr. Musonda Mumba, was amazed at the energy and positive impact that the MCA has had, and is continuing to have, on their local wetlands and adjacent habitats in their corner of Co. Kerry. They are the embodiment of the spirit of the Ramsar Convention which commits to the full participation of local communities in the management of wetlands and recognises that their wise use and customary use can play an important role in the conservation of wetland ecosystems.
The MCA plays a pivotal role in raising awareness of the importance and fragility of the wetland ecosystems on the Maharees Peninsula and how their wise use is essential to their continued presence. They do this within local schools, the local community and also with the numerous tourists and visitors to the area. In addition, the MCA undertake practical conservation measures to allow the dune system to stabilise and recover from erosion and damage from overuse (see the amazing photographs on page 7 of Martha’s presentation showing the recovery of the dune system as a result of local community action). The MCA are a shining example of how local communities can contribute to the local management, conservation and awareness of their wetlands – contributing not only to Ireland’s responsibilities under the Ramsar Convention, but also under the National Nature Restoration Plan. This local, ground-up work should be recognised and supported – Maith sibh!
Read the presentation that Martha gave to the IRWC and Tóchar conference in June 2026 here.
Find out more about the Maharees Community Association: https://www.mahareesconservation.com/
Read more about communities and wetlands in the Ramsar Conventions report on The Relationship of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities with Wetlands