Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN), the cross-border partnership based in Enniskillen, will be working with six communities from both sides of the border in Cavan, Leitrim and Fermanagh, and from both main traditions: Belcoo, Blacklion, Cashel, Glenfarne, Killesher and Kiltyclogher.
Speaking about why this area has been chosen, Project Coordinator with ICBAN, Mr Andy Hallewell said: "The communities in and around Lough MacNean have strong track records in project development and community relations. These areas share an abundance of rich natural assets, including, the Cuilcagh Lakeland Geopark, the two loughs and associated forests, food tourism offerings such as MacNean Bistro in Blacklion and the Organic Centre in Rossinver amongst others, and the proximity to the route of the proposed new cross-border greenway from Sligo to Enniskillen."
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For this initiative ICBAN will be teaming up with Tasc, the think tank for action on social change based in Dublin, which has been running successful initiatives in Ardara Co Donegal and Phisborough in Dublin. Dr Shana Cohen, Tasc Director commented: "The idea behind Border Transition is that communities identify priorities in their local area, like social isolation or joblessness, and then work alongside community development and climate change experts involved in the project to devise innovative, environmentally friendly solutions to those priorities. The aim is to show how climate action advances community development.
"In Ardara, one of the issues identified was a lack of local employment and one of the solutions was to develop a business case for a commercial seaweed farm in the locality… Such projects have been described as 'People's Transition' initiatives, as the principle is that communities themselves own the process, through which small steps can be taken to work towards a future that is less dependent on carbon. The ultimate aim is to improve community development and well-being, whilst ensuring that all members of the community have an equal chance to participate."
Border Transition is an innovative approach to involving local people in working to address key challenges such as how climate change is impacting and will impact on adjoining areas with many commonalities.
