Environmental Award Ceremony energises, inspires and gives hope

Cork Environmental Forum’s Awards Ceremony held on Wednesday 27^th November at the Firkin Cane Centre was an event that reflected youthful activism alongside the hard slog of decades of work by very worthy recipients across all categories of the Awards.

CEF Chairperson James O’Donovan pointed to “the strengths we have in Ireland to make the positive changes required and that this event is a recognition of just some of those contributing to this trajectory”.

Whilst not shying away from the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change that challenges us all, Bernadette Connolly said “this is a chance to pause and reflect on what is being achieved by all the individuals, groups and organisations being honoured here this evening”.

The Lord Mayor, Cllr. John Sheehan and Mayor of the County, Cllr. Christopher O’Sullivan were in attendance, presenting a number of Awards both enthused by the revealing and insightful inputs from nominators and recipients throughout the evening.  

The youth activism and commitment to change were represented across three of the recipients, Saoi O’Connor who received the Outstanding Individual Award for her leadership role in striking in Cork and galvanising the commitment of others to raise awareness and communicating widely on the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. 

The Fridays for Future Cork, who join forces with the Schools Climate Action Network received a commendation for their consistent commitment to calling on the Government to honour the Paris Agreement and act on climate change and in organising hugely successful Marchs’ in Cork to maintain the focus and pressure. In accepting the Award they didn’t miss the change to encourage us all to show solidarity and join in the March on this Friday the 29^th November and Saoi even got the large audience energised by joining in their now familiar chant for action.

Introduced by Niamh Guiry who nominated them the UCC Environmental Society received a commendation to acknowledge the trojan work they do both on and off campus to promote sustainability and for having mobilised students to undertake climate action rallies, to support the efforts of the UCC Green Campus and for initiating many great project including one currently on consumption.  

The Business and Commercial award went to Douglas Street Business Association, accepted on the groups behalf by Peter Murphy, Sinead Cotter, Val O’Mahony and Breda McCarthy, for their collective leadership in concrete efforts to transform the street to a more liveable and attractive area which is both good for business and good for the community. Paul McGuirk, Cork City, Local Enterprise Officer, in his introduction to the group said “they were an outstanding illustration of what can be achieved by people working together for their area through collaboration”.

Christopher Moran accepted the Commendation for NeighbourFood and shared his own very positive experience of working with this model of providing local food to the communities of Cork that also supports a wide range of primary producers, including the apple juice from Future Orchard Trust here tonight.

The Winners under the Community & Voluntary, the Public Sector, Sustainable Agriculture and the Lifetime Achievement Award were reflective of years of dedicated work in support of the environment and a more sustainable future across a range of disciplines.  

The Award to Tony Lowes, Friends of the Irish Environment and Dr. Aíne Ryall, Co-Director, UCC Centre for Law and Environment highlighted the importance of environmental justice. Tony may have exceeded his allotted acceptance speech but gave an insightful overview of the work of “Friends” and signalled the threat the changes to the Planning Bill pose. Both Declan Walsh, Lecturer in European Law, UCC nominator and presenter Atttracta Ui Bhroin, Environmental Law Officer at the Irish Environmental Network and Vice-President of the European Environmental Bureau outlined the depth and breadth of Dr. Ryall’s work, her exemplar example of public service, ensuring open access and public engagement to information on environmental law, her significant voluntary contribution on the Aarhus Compliance Committee and her own activism. For their tremendous contribution in this vital area both these awards were highly merited.

Introduced by nominator Tad Kirawoski, and presented by Maria Young, Cork Food Policy Council the mother and daughter team of Madeline McKeever and Holly Cairns who run Brown Envelope Seeds were acknowledged for the significant work they do in continuing to provide open pollinated seeds which are a very important basis for diversity and resilience in the food system. A striking comment from Madeline is that “100 years ago I would not be receiving this Award as this is what every grower was doing, and the fact that all this time later these seeds have been passed down through other hands”. 

The final Award of the evening went to Mark Boyden and was presented by Dr. Simon Harrison, UCC School of Biological Earth and Environmental Science and UN Water Capacity Centre.  Mark is a lifelong environmentalist who has dedicated himself to engaging people with the water around them, and inspiring people to come together over this fundamental resource. Having founded the Coomhola Salmon Trust and the Streamscapes programme in 1989 which has been delivered throughout the island of Ireland Mark is such a worthy recipient of an Award that recognises his decades of contribution to an inclusive catchment management approach as well as in the broader context in his role as Chairperson of the Sustainable Water Network. It is apt that he is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2019 to coincide with the opening of the “Streamschool” which has been a lifelong ambition and is an incredible resource of a river aquarium in Coomhola where he is based. Mark was very keen to clarify that he has a lot yet to contribute and will continue to do so as he encouraged us all to rewild ourselves which may unlock what we need going forward.

In her closing comments Bernadette Connolly said the issues at the root cause of climate change are also those causing unprecedented loss of nature and the solutions for both are complementary, as Edward O’Wilson said “If we save the living environment, the biodiversity that we have left today, then we will also automatically save the physical environment. If we only save the physical environment, then we will ultimately lose both.

Cork Environment Forum is honoured to be able to recognise the actions of all those who received Awards this evening as you are not only providing real inspiration but are making a world of difference and giving much hope and leadership.

She thanked all those who had taken the time and effort to make nominations for this year’s awards and the adjudication panel, Catriona Courtney, Darren McAdam O’Connell and Derry O’Farrell, CEF Committee members and Justin Byrne, Irish Environmental Network.

Kevin Casey of Bogwood Studio for the beautiful prizes, elegant unique herons sculpted from bog oak and yew buried for 1000’s of years beneath the midland bogs and to Martha Cashman, More Clay Less Plastic for the wonderfully colourful birdfeeders.

To Diane Cusack for taking the photographs throughout the evening. Special thanks was given to all the CEF members and voluntary management, as well as the support we all receive from friends, family and colleagues who sustain us on a constant basis. A final thank you to Ann Rea and all the wonderful team at the Firkin Crane Centre and to Cork City PPN for kind sponsorship towards the Awards Ceremony.

Background information on Cork Environmental Forum and the Awards:

CEF is a not for profit organisation based in County Cork, Ireland.  We work to promote sustainable development in the region by connecting with key community groups and running our own programme of sustainability events and projects.  Our philosophy is based on local agenda 21 principles and our members represent a cross section of society in the county, brought together by their desire for local action on their environment.

Established in 2001, the Cork Environmental Forum Awards honour the sometimes little known actions of groups, organisations and individuals around the county that have contributed to the health or richness of the Cork environment.  The awards are split into different categories according to different pillars of society, nominations are accepted from CEF members and any member of the public for actions that are in keeping with the spirit of sustainable development and community resilience. 

Cork Environmental Forum is delighted to announce the 2019 Environmental Award Winners who are all so worthy of this accolade. The winners across the 4 main CEF Pillar categories reflect youth activism on climate change and biodiversity loss, the importance of environmental law and justice and collective business leadership. Preserving seeds and local growing are highlighted by the winner of the Sustainable Agriculture Award and the Board are honouring a lifetime of dedication to the management and protection of catchments with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Awards presentation will take place at the Firkin Crane Centre,  Shandon, Cork on Wednesday 27^th November 2019, starting at 7 pm where we will be joined by the Lord Mayor and Mayor of the County who will also present Awards.  The event will include a wine reception with light refreshments. All are welcome.

Cork Environmental Forum (CEF) is seeking nominations for its Annual Environmental Awards 2019 .

Nominations closed on 10th November 20019

CEF has held its Environmental Awards ceremony since 2001 which aims to acknowledge and honour the sometimes little known actions of groups, organisations and individuals around the county that have contributed to the health or richness of the Cork environment.

Awards are nominated under the four main pillars of the Forum , Public Sector, Business and Commercial Sector , Community & Voluntary Sector, Individual Category and Sustainable Agriculture. 

The Lifetime Achievement Award is given from time to time at the discretion of the Management Committee.

Nominations are accepted from CEF members and members of the public for actions that are in keeping with the spirit of sustainable development and community resilience, including raising awareness on environmental sustainability. The Awards have proven to be a very positive public acknowledgement of the work that groups, individuals, communities and businesses undertake every day to improve their environment and that of the wider community. With the increased awareness of the biodiversity and climate change emergencies there has been a surge in activity by people and communities, so please nominate any person, project or organization that you know is contributing in this way.

Details of previous winners here.

The best slow and sustainable Fashion Show in town! 2019 will be even more entertaining and as well as all our favourite Vintage and pre-loved retailers will also feature some upcycled outfits by St. John’s College. Lots more detail soon but for all the fashionistas out there please note this one in your diary. Bookings are available on EventBrite.

Model Call-Out – part of the unique essence of this show is that anyone can parade down the red carpet. Do get in touch with bernadette@cef.ie if you’d like to strut some style this October. 

The Rebel Pedal is Cork’s iconic annual bicycle parade hosted by the Cork Environmental Forum in association with Cork City Council and Cork Sports Partnership. 

Originally established in 2000 to highlight European Car Free Day it evolved in support of European Mobility week. 

The Rebel Pedal continues to be a fun cycle for the broad community of Cork. This event highlights the positive aspects of cycling as an easy, healthy, joyful and family-oriented activity as well as a convenient means of transport in Cork City. This unique event has always contributed greatly to forming and galvanising a community of cyclists around the city. It also provides a ‘safe’ environment for many who would be nervous of cycling around the city and shows what a pleasant experience it really is. Cork hasn’t made the leap yet to Car Free despite our efforts for 19 years, lets hope 2020 will be the turning point! 

The after pedal picnic at Fitzgeralds’ Park will feature music new band The Four Maldehydes (Klaus Harvey is part of the band), maybe an icecream from the natural Food Bakery, games and prizes. 

8th June 10am -1pm Marine Life Marine Litter – 1 Lapps Quay, UCC Business Centre

Cork Environmental Forum Awards Ceremony showcases and recognises the dedication and work of individuals and groups across Cork caring for our environment.

The packed audience attending the Cork Environmental Forum (CEF) Awards Ceremony at the Firkin Crane Centre on Wednesday 28^th November, were inspired and energised by the commitment, leadership and dogged determination of all the Award recipients who are taking action to improve our environment.

Derry O’Farrell, CEF Secretary, thanked everyone who made nominations to the Awards in 2018 and the panel, made up of James O’Donovan and Helen Barrett, CEF and Justin Byrne, Irish Environmental Network, who had the unenviable task of selecting the Winners in each category. He also referenced the recent wake-up call reports of the International Panel on Climate Change, the World Wildlife Fund and just on Tuesday the UN Report on Emissions. Whilst CEF was early to the table in understanding the urgency of looking after the environment, the situation is so much worse than in 1995, however, finally people are perhaps beginning to take notice and get more engaged in action and tonight is about celebrating such leadership at a local level.

Karen Loxton, Cork Nature Network introduced Chris Moody, winner under the Outstanding Individual category, who exemplifies the commitment and dedication to wildlife and care of the environment through his work on the Cork Otter Project and his efforts to protect and restore the River Bride. Chris was presented with his Award by the Lord Mayor, Cllr. Mick Finn. Chris thanked all the others involved in the project and his family who are always such a support and a motivator as he wants his children to also enjoy the river and the presence of the wonderful wildlife it supports including the charismatic otters.

Richard Leahy made the introduction to Barry O’Connor who was acknowledged with an Outstanding Individual commendation for his vision and unstinting work in setting up Refill Ireland, which helps to reduce plastic waste whilst providing easy access for the public to water refills. Being rolled out in Cork in conjunction with Cork City Council and CEF, again the Lord Mayor did the honours with the presentation to Barry who had travelled from Dublin to be there. Barry is very motivated in his quest to eliminate plastic waste and is hoping to roll the Refill project out throughout Ireland, he complimented Cork is being one of the forerunners to embrace the initiative.

Bantry Bay protect Our Native Kelp Forest is the Community and Voluntary Category winner for their efforts to protect the marine environment. Tomas O’Sullivan gave an outline as to why the group set-up and how it has brought together the varied interests of the coastal community to fight the mechanical harvesting of the local kelp in the Bay.  The group through the campaign are deepening theirs and the communities knowledge of the many benefits and services of kelp and the complex but fragile marine eco-system. They are also networking with other coastal communities throughout Ireland to support and work together to protect our coast. The Award was presented by Mayor of the County, Cllr. Patrick Gerard Murphy and in his acceptance speech Declan Bevan wished that everyone present could see our magical underwater world which is such a valuable resource. He also highlighted the positive impact of the campaign, despite the effort, work and resources people have put in, the unforeseen consequence has been to forge links and strengthen the communities around Bantry Bay.

A commendation under the Community and Voluntary category was presented to Schull Community College Incredible Edible Community Garden for the transformation of a piece of waste ground into an organic edible garden with food for people and other species. Catherine Quinn, in her introduction gave credit to the students who are working closely with many other groups in the community to spread and develop the impacts of their initiative. There is an ethos of Wellbeing at the school and this is being reflected in a Wellbeing garden space

Derry O’Farrell , nominator of Cork City Council, the winner under the Public Sector for their initiative to eliminate single use cups in the council and provide all staff with a reusable cup, gave credit to their foresight in introducing this initiative to a large public body. It is very replicable for other public and private organisations and you need someone to take the lead. Derry who is passionate himself in trying to eliminate waste also acknowledged the Council’s ongoing efforts in waste reduction, by moving towards a more circular economy with support of initiatives such as Refill and Boomerang Enterprises. Noel Murtagh, Senior Engineer, Environment and Recreation collected the prize but referenced that it is his colleague Mary Walsh, away at present, who had the determination and vision to follow through in implementing the elimination of single use cups in the Council. Justin Byrne, Irish Environmental Network in presenting the prize complimented Cork City Council and the importance of large public bodies in providing leadership.

Siobhan Hardiman who nominated TWIG Refill Shop in Clonakilty outlined her reasons for nominating this new enterprise, as she said “the TWIG that grew from the Olive Branch” in bringing this waste free shopping option to Spiller’s Lane in Clonakilty. Not only is TWIG contributing hugely to waste minimisation for the conscious consumers throughout West Cork it is also adding to the businesses environment of the town and with the addition of a room overhead that is used for many community activities. Andie Beatty and some of the team were there to collect the prize which was presented by Olan Hodnett, Down2Earth Materials, who referenced their own efforts to reduce waste and harm to the environment as suppliers of low impact, low carbon food service disposables.

Mary Wedel, proprietor of An Tobairin, nominator of the winning Sustainable Agriculture initiative, gave an insight into the dedication and innovation of the Sinnott family in providing the most wonderful organic produce from a small holding near Ballinhassig. Stephen Sinnott, in accepting the Award for his enterprise Food for Humans thanked his customers, the local businesses and restaurants who have supported him and especially his wife Bridget and wider family. Ian Kilgallon, Gas Networks Ireland, presented the Award and mentioned their own efforts in conjunction with Ballyhoura and farmers to more towards renewable gas.

Bernadette Connolly, MC for the evening and Coordinator of CEF congratulated all of the winners again and commended them for the wonderful and inspiring work you are doing which is also an actionable commitment to making our environment better. She referenced Kevin Casey, Bogwood Sculptures, who is the creator of the unique and beautiful herons from ancient oak and yew buried beneath the midland bogs and Martha Cashman, ceramic artist who is responsible for the Clay Birdfeeders.

Bernadette also thanked Ann, Tony and all the team at the Firkin Crane for their support and hospitality every year, Diane Cusack for the photos, the sponsors of the Awards Down2Earth materials and Gas Networks Ireland. Thanks also to Cork City and Cork County Councils who are the main funders of the work of CEF on an annual basis. Special thanks were given to all of the volunteers and members of CEF, including a very dedicated and active Management Committee and members who engage voluntarily throughout the year o so many initiatives from planting trees to surveying the Coast. Some of them prepared the refreshments this evening including Murielle Pelay, John and Sofia Barimo, Richard Leahy, Matt Jones and Anna Pozzati currently on placement with CEF.

As referenced by Derry at the beginning the UN report says we need drastic large scale effort, this is somewhat overwhelming. Such large scale effort, needs greater national and global leadership and ambition, but we in CEF believe it also relies on replicating and growing the effort every individual and project has shared here tonight.  Positivity begets positivity and your efforts and leadership in implementing different practices which are focused on a more sustainable approach is what ordinary people really need and now want.

So as we come to the close of another year we look forward with renewed hope from the experiences you have shared and the broader understanding that is growing in our society that our environment is the very basis of our continued existence and that we can all get involved in changing the course we are on.

CEF Annual Environmental Award Winners Announced 

We are delighted to announce our Annual Environmental Award Winners for 2018. We thank all of those who engaged with the nomination process this year, without your interest and support the Awards wouldn’t continue to be such a great event.

National Reuse Month 2018 returns for the 3rd year and aims to inspire you and provide you with the skills and tools to reuse more At Home, At Work, and At Play.

For example, you might already reuse by getting shoes resoled rather than replacing them, or borrowing books from the library. To cut down on waste and greenhouse gas emissions, we are asking everyone to go further in October and beyond by prioritising repair, buying second hand and upcycled, borrowing, swapping and refilling.

To inspire you even more CEF in conjunction with the Southern Waste Region office and Cork City Council bring you another year of showcasing Upcycling for Your Home and a Glitz and Glamour Fashion Show at St. Peter’s Exhibition Centre on Saturday 27th October. Workshops at 12pm “Rethink Your Junk”, 1pm Upcycling for yarns and fabrics and 2pm Repair Cafe.