ABOUT US

Coastwatch Europe (CWE) is an international network of environmental groups, universities and other educational institutions, who in turn work with local groups and individuals around the coast of Europe. CWE primarily protects wetlands by raising public awareness of their value and demonstrating practical ways to save them. Coastwatch Europe has participated at hundreds of events since the 1980’s and published several dozen articles, scientific papers and books.

The goal of CWE is the protection and sustainable use of coastal resources, and informed public participation in environmental planning and management. Coastwatch Europe is driven by public participation.

COASTWATCH EUROPE NETWORK MEMBERS:

Island of Ireland:

Irish Coastal Environment Group – Coastwatch ( normally just referred to as Coastwatch)  is the eNGO  member for the island of Ireland.  For the Coastwatch survey related work Ulster Wildlife Trust is our Northern Ireland partner.

FUNDING

Like other Irish national eNGOs we  apply for annual core funding from government. The grant we are grateful to acknowledge ranges from 8 – 12000 euro/annum and comes from the DCCAE, dispersed through IEN. Additionally our Coastwatch autumn survey has benefitted from project funding  from the Marine Environment Policy Budget of the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. This 21,037 euro covered most of our administration, travel, printing, training and GIS mapping of results. A  biodiversity stipend from NPWS towards seaweed work expenses and small donations and seminar takings at the door made up the remaining income. As a rule Coastwatchers all work as volunteers from surveyors to  regional and national coordination. Additional invaluable help is brought by Interns. Only some administration, accounts and top data handling /GIS work is paid.  A copy of our accounts for 2016  is available here.

MEMBERSHIPS

We are members of the Irish Environmental Network and the European Environmental Bureau.

HOW  VOLUNTEER WORK IS CONTRIBUTED

Volunteer work done gratis is also key for CWE. We thank all our volunteers:. Approx. 2000 Coastwatch volunteers participating on our survey every year - Average time spent approx. 1 day each between prep, survey and input of data. The 2016 family/group and school leader and lone surveyor  list attached here (For those who agreed to be named)

Approx. 120 of the surveyor do active follow up work to protect, clear, restore, litter pick... - Average 2 days but up to 40 days.

12 Regional Coordinators - Approx. 6 days each. – see list here

8 in the Core group (including over all coordination, technical coordination, website, social media, accounting...) - Approx. 60 days each.