During this presentation, Brendan looks at the origins of the Burren Programme, the seeds of which were sown some 25 years ago. He discusses the environmental challenges arising from changing farming practices, and some of the solutions pioneered, in the Burren. New data is presented on the social, economic and environmental impact of the Burren Programme from its beginning in 2010 to its conclusion in March 2023. The presentation concludes with some relevant lessons learned as we try to get to grips with our national climate and biodiversity crises.
Brendan Dunford was manager of www.burrenprogramme.com which employed an innovative results-based payment system to incentivise farmers to improve local biodiversity, water quality and cultural heritage, delivering consistent social, economic and environmental gains since its inception in 2010.
Brendan is a founder and director of Burrenbeo Trust –a leading advocate for place-based learning and community stewardship in Ireland – and a founder of Farming for Nature which aims to acknowledge, celebrate and support farmers across Ireland and Europe who work to protect nature.
In 2011 Brendan became an Ashoka Fellow and in 2018 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for his work in championing biodiversity. His main area of interest is in finding ways to motivate, empower and support our farming communities to protect and enhance our natural and cultural heritage.
