Topic Progress..
Overview of Topic 7.3 Involving Communities in ForestWell Initiatives highlights the importance of actively engaging local communities in ForestWell initiatives to ensure their success and sustainability. Community involvement is vital for enhancing the effectiveness of forest-based tourism and well-being projects, enabling a sense of ownership and stewardship among residents, and supporting local economies. This topic explores various benefits of community engagement, including economic development, social equity, cultural preservation, effective environmental stewardship, and building community resilience.
Involving communities in ForestWell initiatives is crucial for several reasons, ensuring the success and sustainability of forest-based tourism and wellbeing projects. Community engagement not only enhances the effectiveness of these initiatives but also engages a sense of ownership and stewardship among local residents.
ForestWell businesses go beyond offering forest wellness tourism experiences, they stimulate local economies by creating economic opportunities, jobs and supporting small, often rural, local businesses and communities. The commercial potential of forest wellness, tourism, and culinary forest tourism extends to rural and forested areas, providing economic opportunities by attracting a growing trend of ‘eco conscious’ visitor’ typically have high disposable incomes. This influx of high value tourists promotes economic development and strengthens community resilience ensuring that local economies benefit from the influx of responsible, high-value tourists.
Forest recreation plays a crucial role in supporting rural communities and economies, particularly in Ireland, where forests serve as primary access points to the countryside. With over 55% of Irish walking routes situated in forests, these natural spaces contribute significantly to the tourism industry, driving economic activity and development in rural areas. Walking and cycling are critical market segments for rural tourism, facilitating geographic spread and promoting special interest tourism. Investment in forest recreation not only generates economic activity but also provides various benefits to local communities, including opportunities for labour activation, green infrastructure provision, and skills development. (Source Irish Outdoor Recreation Plan)
Enhance Local Economies. By integrating local communities into ForestWell initiatives, we can stimulate local economies through job creation and support for small businesses. This engagement provides economic opportunities in rural and forested areas, attracting eco-conscious visitors who typically have high disposable incomes. This, in turn, promotes economic development and strengthens community resilience, ensuring that the benefits of tourism and wellness activities are felt locally.
Example: In Donegal, Ireland, Lough Mardal Lodge involves local artisans and food producers in their eco-lodge operations. This not only provides economic opportunities for local businesses but also enhances the guest experience with authentic, locally-sourced products.
Promoting Social Equity: Involving communities ensures that the development of ForestWell initiatives is inclusive and equitable. It provides a platform for local voices to be heard and considered in the planning and implementation processes. This inclusivity helps in addressing the specific needs and concerns of the community, promoting social equity and ensuring that all community members benefit from the initiatives.
Example: Crann Og Eco Farm, located in County Galway, Ireland, stewarded by Marion & Flor for the past 30 years and who work closely with landowners, the community,friends, volunteers, is a small-scale eco-farm with many tree, animal and plant species. We understand the value of community. Over time, they built and ran a very busy eco-tourism business, welcoming individuals, families and groups to the farm for lodging, camping, retreats and workshops. They now have a community of builders, gardeners, artists, farmers, yoga teachers, parents, martial artists, coaches, mentors, musicians, students, facilitators, guides, herbalists, neighbours, community activists, youth workers, and children. This example of a small eco-friendly business demonstrates how strong community ties can help build a business whiel promoting environmental stewardship.
Cultural Preservation Communities hold valuable traditional knowledge and cultural practices that can enrich ForestWell initiatives. By involving local residents, we can incorporate these cultural elements into the projects, preserving and promoting local heritage. This approach not only attracts culturally interested tourists but also enables pride and cultural continuity within the community.
Example: Deerstone, Eco Forest Retreat, Wicklow, Ireland is a small business that integrates This nature reserve offers immersive experiences that connect visitors with the local Irish culture and conserves Irish forests. It promotes environmental supports cultural preservation by engaging with Irish and local trades/ craft producers in all areas of our business. They partner with local horticulturists to rewild and restore Ireland’s native trees. Read more about our sustainability efforts and rewilding project here.
Deerstone also host weekend retreats to celebrate Irish customs and traditions.
‘Join us for a transformative weekend retreat as we celebrate St Brigid’s Day—a time of renewal, growth, and the reawakening of the earth. Nestled in the serene Irish countryside, this rejuvenating getaway offers a blend of nourishing activities, workshops, and ceremonies designed to foster self-care, connection, and inner balance’.
Engaging the community in cultural and natural preservation helps distribute the economic benefits of tourism and conservation efforts, ensuring that all community members can benefit. This inclusivity promotes social cohesion and resilience, creating a more robust and supportive local economy.
Effective Environmental Stewardship Local communities are often the best stewards of their natural environments. Their involvement in ForestWell initiatives ensures that conservation efforts are grounded in local knowledge and practices. Engaging communities in sustainable and regenerative practices helps protect and enhance forest ecosystems, contributing to long-term environmental health and resilience.
Example: Black Stairs Eco-trails, Ireland integrate community-led forest management practices into its initiatives, ensuring that forest resources are used sustainably and that conservation efforts are maintained. They regularly speak at public events, Heritage Week, Local Festivals such as Carlow Tourism events, Food Festivals in both Kilkenny and Wexford. Are a member of Rathanna Community Group and advise on sustainable planting and Eco Tourism practices. A former Green Party member of Parliament are regularly asked to speak about eco tourism at events. EG The Hay Festival 2013. Savour Kilkenny, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. They are certified to train teachers for continuing personal development by the Department of Education, Science and Skills.
Building Community Resilience Active participation in ForestWell initiatives empowers communities by building their capacity to manage and benefit from local natural resources. This empowerment enhances community resilience, enabling them to better adapt to economic, social, and environmental changes. By having a sense of ownership, communities are more likely to support and sustain these initiatives in the long term.
Example: Crann Og Eco Farm, located in County Galway, Ireland, employs local residents in various roles, from organic farming and maintenance to hospitality and event coordination. Crann Og Eco Farm collaborates with local artisans and farmers to source materials and products. This partnership supports small businesses, preserves traditional crafts, and promotes the use of locally grown, organic produce but also builds resilience by creating multiple sources of income for rural communities.
Educational and Awareness Benefits Community involvement in ForestWell projects facilitates education and awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices. By engaging residents in these initiatives, we can promote a broader understanding of the benefits of forest-based tourism and wellbeing, encouraging more sustainable behaviors and practices within the community.
Example: Crann Og Eco Farm, located in County Galway, Ireland, offers a range of educational programs and workshops for guests and the local community. Topics include sustainable farming practices, permaculture, forest therapy, and eco-friendly living. These programs raise awareness about environmental stewardship and encourage sustainable practices forming a culture of environmental stewardship within the community. Information on their
Forest School offers a great opportunity for “holistic development” through interacting and connecting with the natural world and all it’s gifts and challenges in a playful way.
Community Workshops & Skill-shares on Willow Cutting, Tree Planting and Food Foraging,
The FORESTWELL Projects aims are to implement the innovative and stimulating learning environment in VET and creation of an upskilling pathway for entrepreneurs in wellness and tourism.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency. Neither the European Union nor National Agency can be held responsible for them.