Education
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Peatlands Forever
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Education and public awareness are essential
elements in the conservation of any habitat or species. The
provision of information or experiences that allow people to
understand, value, and take positive action is an essential
aspect of peatland conservation. In Northern Ireland several
Government Departments, Conservation Organisations, District
Councils and many other groups are involved in peatland education.
A variety of mechanisms have been used to promote greater awareness
of the importance of peatlands, including education programmes
for schools, fact sheets, books, web sites, CDs, and publicity
campaigns.
Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) recognises that
raising public awareness is a vital part of its policy to
protect and conserve peatlands. Sympathetic public attitudes
and a greater understanding that peat is a finite resource
will lend support to other EHS measures to protect peatlands
e.g. the designation and protection of peatland sites. EHS
have been leading the way throughout the United Kingdom
in tackling the issue of peatland awareness through its
creation of Peatlands Park in Co Armagh and the provision
of peatland information in a variety of media including
video, CD, and the internet. Some of the most important
peatland education initiatives in Northern Ireland include
