A major milestone has been reached in Ireland’s efforts to protect vulnerable ground-nesting bird species, as 170 landowners have committed to conservation management through the Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership (EIP). This initiative brings over 2,340 hectares of land under active management to support breeding waders, including the Eurasian Curlew, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Common Redshank, Dunlin, and Common Snipe, whose populations have significantly declined in recent decades.
Ministers Christopher O’Sullivan TD and Martin Heydon TD welcomed this achievement, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts with farmers and landowners to secure and improve breeding wader populations. Their statements emphasized the strong engagement of landowners and the project team’s success in fostering momentum for nature conservation through practical, tailored habitat management measures.
The Breeding Waders EIP is jointly funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Participating landowners work closely with the project team to design customized habitat management plans, receiving practical support and participation payments for implementing conservation actions. This collaborative approach ensures that all measures are fully supported and adapted to individual farms, enhancing breeding success and overall habitat quality.
Senior Project Manager Owen Murphy noted that the high level of early engagement demonstrates strong support for the project and its collaborative approach. He anticipates that the initiative will eventually manage more than 12,000 hectares, delivering co-benefits including biodiversity conservation, carbon capture, and flood mitigation. Since its launch in May 2024, the project has focused on science-led measures such as predator control, headstarting, water level management, and reducing disturbance during the nesting season.
NPWS Director General Niall Ó Donnchu highlighted that the project offers innovative approaches to protecting threatened species and ecosystems while building partnerships with landowners. Project Ecologist Andrea Parisi observed that improvements in habitat conditions and early signs of increased breeding activity are already evident across the 2,340 hectares managed.
Landowners participating in the project, such as Mike Connell from Inchbofin, expressed appreciation for the support and collaboration offered by the Breeding Waders EIP team, noting positive impacts on both their land and personal awareness of bird conservation. The project team plans to continue expanding support, offering training, habitat assessments, and monitoring, and encourages additional landowners with suitable habitats to participate.
The Breeding Waders EIP is co-funded by the European Commission and the Irish Government under the CAP Strategic Plan. The Operational Group includes Irish Rural Link, Michael Martyn Agri-Environment, Irish Wildlife Services, Hen Harrier Project, Atlantic Technological University, University College Dublin, Fota Wildlife Park, and Dublin Zoo, all collaborating to implement practical, locally adapted conservation strategies.
