Какво беше адресираното предизвикателство/проблем?
Rathcroghan is a well-preserved prehistoric and medieval archaeological landscape located in rich agricultural pasture in county Roscommon. This archaeological complex consists of approximately 240 archaeological monuments, out of which about 70 are under State care. Rathcroghan primarily consists of actively farmed, privately-owned land. There is a long tradition of cattle farming in Rathcroghan and it is still the predominant farming system in the area. This tradition of cattle farming is a major contributor to the survival of the archaeological landscape – having been cared for by many generations of Rathcroghan farmers.
The Rathcroghan farmers are essential for the continued upkeep and conservation of this
archaeological landscape, however modern-day farming in this area is encountering a number of challenges. The current economic climate puts farmers under pressure to intensify their farming systems, by increased stocking rates and increased machinery traffic for instance. В допълнение, there are restrictive guidelines for archaeological protection in the area, which renders certain modern farming practises inappropriate or in some cases illegal.
Farming Rathcroghan project aims to promote the continuation of farming in the Rathcroghan area by providing guidance and economic support for farmers to maintain and enhance the archaeological landscape, while providing co-benefits for a range of services – including biodiversity, carbon sequestration and water quality.
Как решихте проблема?
• Developed and tested innovative management solutions to sustain the area as a viable farming landscape in harmony with its rich cultural and ecological assets.
• Tested and implemented best farming and archaeological practice to monitor, manage, maintai
Какво е иновативно във вашия практически случай?
Farming Rathcroghan has the distinction of being the only EIP in Ireland with a focus on farming in an archaeological landscape. Ireland is distinctive in Europe for the preservation of its archaeological heritage. The Farming Rathcroghan EIP, as a locall
Какви са факторите за успех при решаването на проблема?
The Farming Rathcroghan EIP has offered a new forward-thinking approach as a means of addressing issues around the future of farming. The process of constant consultation and exploration it has altered the generally negative perception of archaeology amon
Поуки
One of the main learnings is that these processes take time. Although five years sounds like a long period, in reality it is relatively short when considering this type of project. Some items and actions took substantially longer than expected. В допълнение, the project was initiated with a relatively small group of farmers, ensuring proper engagement with this group before being rolled out to a much larger number of participants.
В допълнение, information on the actions and technologies is not complete. Additional works and research will be required to get a more comprehensive picture of which innovations work in this landscape. As such, the project evolved throughout it’s duration and will continue to evolve in the coming years.
Накрая, the importance of effective and comprehensive communication was illustrated. Where all stakeholders were communicated with regarding developments in the project and given time and a platform to offer feedback and input; there was a clear impact on levels of engagement of the farmers.
Каква роля играе съветникът или консултантската служба с практическия случай?
Advisor had a central role at the initiation of the project and was heavily involved as regards advice and also the design and direction of the project. The project manager handled much of the day to day business and management of the project however, adv
Може ли вашият подход да бъде прехвърлен и/или адаптиран за други иновационни предизвикателства и региони?
Да
Приблизителна възможност за прехвърляне в скала от 1 да се 5
(където 1 е лесно и 5 много трудно)
2
За споделяне на опит от добрата практика, Моля свържете се
Kieran Kenny
kieran.kenny@teagasc.ie
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