1. General information Location and description of the intervention City or FUA Dublin (FUA) Region Europe Short description of the intervention North Bull Island is a national nature reserve located in Dublin Bay on the north side of Dublin. Supporting both local and migratory wildlife, the area holds several nature conservation designations. It is designated as a special amenity area for its aesthetic and recreational value and forms an integral part of the Dublin Bay Biosphere. The Island, with its 5 km beach located within the capital city and close to the city center, serves as a unique and important public amenity. (1) The Island is estimated to attract up to 1.4 million visitors annually, including walkers, swimmers, beachgoers, birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, kite-surfers, and various other interest groups from the local area. Additionally, it is a popular destination for schools, universities, and visitors from Ireland and abroad who come to experience accessible examples of ecological succession across nationally and internationally significant habitats, and to learn about the intricate stories that make North Bull Island Nature Reserve central to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and part of a global network of Biosphere Reserves. (1) The Island and Nature Reserve are managed by the Parks, Biodiversity, and Landscape Services of Dublin City Council in collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Dublin City Council has prepared an Action Plan for North Bull Island for 2020-2025 to implement the objectives of the North Bull Island Management Plan 2020. The North Bull Island Oversight Forum, which represents a range of stakeholders, monitors the action plan’s implementation (2). The goal is to conserve the island's environmental qualities and scientific significance while balancing its recreational and amenity value for the benefit of the local community and visitors (8). Website of the intervention https://www.dublincity.ie/residential/parks/dublin-city-parks/visit-park/north-… Principal problems Climate-Related Hazards Coastal flooding Coastal hazards (e.g. erosion, flooding) Environmental Degradation Biodiversity loss Land use and Socio-economic change Rapid urbanization Resource Scarcity and Competition Human-wildlife conflicts Implementation area characterization Climate Temperate ( Humid subtropical, Hot-summer Mediterranean, Warm-summer Mediterranean, Warm-temperate with dry winter) Ecosystem Sandy coastal ecosystems (including beaches and dunes) Address Bull Island Dublin Ireland Location The NBS is situated in an area, with clear delineation of boundaries and a specific shape (polygon). The NBS project can also have more than one area location (more than one polygon, situated close by). Area boundary (map-based) NBS area image Source of NBS area image Source: https://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/2023-03/North%20Bull%20Island%20Nature%20Reserve%202020-2025%20AP%20FINAL.pdf Total area 15000000.00m² NBS area 15000000.00m² Area description Seascape Type of area before implementation of the NBS Protected Area Sea coast (e.g. dunes, beach) Timeline of intervention Start date of the intervention (planning process) 2020 Start date of intervention (implementation process) 2020 End date of the intervention 2025 Present stage of the intervention Ongoing 2. Objectives of the intervention Objectives of the intervention Goals of the intervention To continue an evidence-based approach to managing the Nature Reserve by supporting research and monitoring of species and habitats (including clearance of invasive species). To enhance educational programming and increase public awareness about management challenges affecting the Nature Reserve and Dublin Bay through the Interpretive Centre on North Bull Island. To support ongoing hydrology studies to inform the management of the Island’s dune slack habitats. To conduct mapping of the saltmarsh extent every five years. To implement a five-year strategy for controlling sea buckthorn using established best practice methodologies. To conduct a survey of Common Cordgrass to inform a future management strategy. To facilitate access for everyone regardless of their abilities through the implementation of universal design principles including people with disabilities, older people and people with reduced mobility To protect important bird roosting and feeding areas on the salt marsh by restricting public access west of the golf courses year-round To address climate change issues such as saltmarsh accretion (carbon sequestration) and erosion To address waste management (1) Key Priorities Climate action (adaptation and/or mitigation) Biodiversity (conservation and/or restoration) Social Justice and community Sustainability challenge(s) addressed Climate action for adaptation, resilience and mitigation (SDG 13) Climate change adaptation Climate change mitigation Coastal resilience and marine protection (SDG 14) Coastal protection / hazard mitigation Marine and coastal biodiversity protection Marine and coastal research and/or education Environmental quality Waste management Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15) Habitat and biodiversity conservation Inclusive and effective governance (SDG 16) Effective management Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10) Social justice and equity Environmental and climate justice Climate change adaptation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets? Implement measures that prevent/manage desertification, soil erosion and landslides Climate change mitigation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets? Protect and restore coastal wetlands, mangroves and salt marshes, aiming at sequestering carbon dioxide and storing it in their soils Raise public awareness of behaviours, lifestyle and cultural changes with mitigation potential Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention? Species-focused Ecosystem-focused Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets? Protect and enhance urban habitats Preserve and strengthen existing habitats and ecosystems Promote environmentally-sound development in and around protected areas Preserve and strengthen habitat connectivity Reduce negative impacts and avoid the alteration/damage of ecosystem Protect species Undertake specific measures to protect species Control and clean invasive alien species Means for conservation governance Manage biological resources for conservation and sustainable use Raise public awareness Create and use scientific knowledge for conservation Implementation activities and NBS focus Implementation activities The project implements several key activities to achieve its objectives and address existing challenges on North Bull Island, incorporating insights from studies on the impact of recreational activities. These studies identified that the most critical issue in wildlife disturbance is the control of dogs, particularly when off-leash and in sensitive habitats (5). The Bull Island Action Group, a volunteer organization, conducts monthly clean-ups and promotes the elimination of single-use plastics, significantly contributing to the island's maintenance. Dublin City Council supports these efforts through its affiliation with the 'Leave No Trace' program and a volunteer conservation program, which includes 24 volunteers who dedicate two weekend days each month to activities such as organizing family walks, conducting flora and fauna studies, and leading workshops on topics like otters, local geography, birds, bees, and seaweed identification. In 2019, these volunteers contributed 976 hours of service, and their workshops attracted 400 attendees. Additionally, the Bull Island Action Group organizes monthly litter collections to maintain the island’s cleanliness (1). Type of NBS project Coastal landscape management or protection Coastal ecosystems restoration and maintenance (mangroves, dunes, saltplains, underwater meadows) Improving coastal resilience Ecological restoration of ecosystems Restoration of wetlands (other types than peatlands and mangroves, e.g. seagrass) Restoration and protection of ecosystems (including water ecosystems) Protection of natural ecosystems Protecton and enhancement of wetlands (other types than peatlands and mangroves, e.g. seagrass) Habitat conservation Strategy, plan or policy development Creation of city-wide or neighborhood green and blue infrastrcuture protection or enhancement strategies/plans Monitoring and maintenance of habitats and/or biodiversity Clearing out invasive alien species and allow natural regeneration maintaining the functionality the ecosystem Habitat mapping, restoration and monitoring-focused management Species-specific monitoring and conservation programs 3. NBS domains, ES and scale NBS domain and interventions Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented Blue infrastructure Coastlines Coastal wetland, mangroves and salt marshes Amenities offered by the NBS Educational and research amenities (nature protection centre, monitoring stations) Complementing infrastructure (bathrooms, café) Viewing and outlook points Design elements for well-being Visual elements (e.g., expansive views, scenic views, natural light, diverse vegetation) Auditory elements (e.g., birdsong, water features, quiet areas, rustling leaves) Olfactory elements (e.g., floral scents, earthy smells) Services Expected ecosystem services delivered Regulating services Coastal protection Carbon storage/sequestration Habitat and supporting services Habitats for species Maintenance of genetic diversity Cultural services Intellectual interactions (scientific and / or educational) Scale Spatial scale Micro-scale: District/neighbourhood level Beneficiaries Demographics in implementation area The Coastal and Clontarf Area Networks have older populations. They have lower levels of disability and higher levels of affluence (9 p.14). Socio-economic profile of the area High-income Communities vulnerable to environmental hazards or climate change impacts Unknown Non-government actors Public sector institution (e.g. school or hospital) Researchers, university Citizens or community groups Primary Beneficiaries Local government/Municipality Researchers/University Citizens or community groups Young people and children Specify primary beneficiaries The North Bull Island project primarily benefits citizens or community groups by providing enhanced recreational opportunities, educational experiences, and access to natural habitats, while ensuring the conservation of the island's ecological and scientific importance. Researchers and universities benefit from the project as it supports scientific research and monitoring, allowing for the dissemination of knowledge through educational programming, and fostering collaboration on a global scale within the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere. Local government/municipality gains from the sustainable management of this key natural resource, which enhances the local environment and community well-being. Additionally, young people and children benefit through educational visits and programs that inspire global citizenship and a deeper understanding of ecological succession and conservation values (1). Marginalized groups Unknown Other beneficiaries Local wildlife (e.g., birds, pollinators) Native plant vegetation Endangered species (flora and fauna) Natural habitats (e.g. wetland, forests, coastal areas) Ecosystem services (e.g. improved air quality, water purification) Public health (e.g. increased physical activity opportunities, reduced stress) 4. Governance and financing Governance Governance arrangements Government-led Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative The designation is managed by a Partnership led by Dublin City Council (DCC), and including Fingal County Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Dublin Port Company, National Parks and Wildlife Services, and Failte Ireland. Also, DCC has undertaken several research studies to provide an evidence base for a new management approach, which included collaboration with Birdwatch Ireland, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, the Herpetological Society of Ireland and private actor - EcoEireann (1). There is a long history of community engagement on the island, with the local community spearheading many of the island’s current designations. The community continues to be involved in the island’s conservation and management. Additionally, the proximity of the island to schools and universities makes it an important outdoor classroom and study site, further supporting research and education efforts (7). Key actors - initiating organization Local government/municipality Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors) National government Local government/municipality Public sector institution Non-government organisation/civil society Citizens or community group Researchers/university Private sector/corporate actor/company Stages of citizen and community engagement Planning and design (e.g. site selection, identification of key priorities) On-the-ground implementation Feedback during project implementation (e.g. review sessions) Monitoring and evaluation of project outcomes Level of citizen and community engagement Moderate Community empowerment or capacity-building initiatives Implementation of educational programs, workshops or trainings Establishment of mentorship programs or partnerships with local institutions (e.g. schools, kinder gardens, hospitals, nursing homes) Participatory methods/forms of stakeholder involvement (all stakeholders) Taskforce groups Dissemination of information and education Co-management/Joint management Uncommon actors ("Missing actors") Infrastructure & Management Port authorities Land owners Public space owned by the city Policy drivers NBS intervention implemented in response to a Regional Directive/Strategy Unknown NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan Yes Please specify the national regulations/strategy/plan ‘Leave No Trace’ programme (1) If there is a relevant strategy or plan, please specify the theme/type of the plan National Biodiversity Strategy or Action Plan NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan Yes Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan" Action Plan 2020-2025, Dublin Bay Biosphere Biodiversity Conservation and Research Strategy, DCC Biodiversity Action Plan (1) Relevant strategy or plan Biodiversity strategy or plan Municipal / city level environmental plan or programme Mandatory or voluntary intervention Mandatory (based on policy) Intervention is mandatory Environmental regulation Enablers & Barriers Type of enablers Unknown Governace and decison-making instruments Legislative and regulatory instruments (e.g. laws, strategies, regulations or restrictions) Strategic instruments (e.g. GI strategies, green space strategy or plans) Educational and knowledge sharing instruments (e.g. science/ living labs, awareness raising campaigns, specific educational programs, green hubs) Arrangements for governance cooperation Formal coordination mechanisms to oversee project implementation and decision-making (e.g., multi-stakeholder steering committees, working groups) Information-sharing platforms or networks (e.g. websites for sharing best practices, data or resources pertinent to the project) Performance monitoring and evaluation frameworks (e.g. adoption of KPIs, or establishment or monitoring and evaluation processes) Barriers A number of studies on the impact of various recreational activities were undertaken in developing this Plan. The evidence from these studies is that “The single most important issue in relation to the disturbance of wildlife is the control of dogs.” The Plan goes on to say that “It is not the presence of dogs per se, rather it is the impact of dogs off-leash and access to sensitive habitats which is the key issue.” (5) Financing Total cost Unknown Please specify total cost (EUR) Unknown What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements? Unknown Source(s) of funding Public local authority budget Type of fund(s) used Earmarked public budget Non-financial contribution Yes Who provided the non-financial contribution? Citizens (e.g. volunteering) Type of non-financial contribution Provision of labour Co-finance for NBS No Entrepreneurship opportunities Unknown Business models Business models Risk reduction model Urban offsetting model (biodiversity or water) Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model? Public actor (e.g. municipality) 5. Evaluation and learning Impacts, benefits Environmental impacts Climate change Storm / wave induced erosion and flooding Expected storm / wave induced erosion and flooding Environmental quality Improved waste management Expected improved waste management Green space and habitat Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems Expected increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems Reduced biodiversity loss Expected reduced biodiversity loss Description of environmental benefits --Expected storm / wave induced erosion and flooding: ". It recommended that accretion and erosion of the saltmarsh should be allowed to continue naturally, and to periodically monitor the situation. (Ref. 1, p. 8) -Improved waste management: "To safeguard the ecology of the dunes, mechanical beach cleaning is restricted to the area below the embryonic dunes and above the strandline. Only manual cleaning is undertaken outside of this area. " (Ref. 1 p. 14) -Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems: "Plan for the integrated management between North Bull Island Nature Reserve and the other designated sites within the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, through the implementation of the Dublin Bay Biosphere Biodiversity Conservation and Research Strategy." (Ref. 1 p.19) -Reduced biodiversity loss: "In 2016, the Biosphere published a ‘Dublin Bay Biosphere Biodiversity Conservation and Research Strategy’ to provide a coordinated framework for biodiversity conservation and research activities, and clarity regarding these planned activities to all stakeholders within Dublin Bay Biosphere." (Ref. 1 p. 6) Economic impacts Generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation) Expected generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation) More sustainable tourism Expected more sustainable tourism Description of economic benefits Generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation): "Several approaches to Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides) control have been trialled on North Bull Island, including the use of volunteers to target smaller plants in the dune system and the removal of berries to prevent the spread of fruit by birds." (Ref. 1 p. 6) More sustainable tourism: "The Island is estimated to cater for up to 1.4 million visitors a year, including walkers, bathers, beachgoers, birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, kite-surfers and many other interest groups from the local area." (Ref. 1 p. 3) Social and cultural impacts Social justice and cohesion Improved access to urban green space Expected improved access to urban green space Cultural heritage and sense of place Protection of natural heritage Expected protection of natural heritage Increased awareness of flora and fauna as culturally and historically meaningful Expected increased awareness of flora and fauna as culturally and historically meaningful Increased appreciation for natural spaces Expected increased appreciation for natural spaces Education Increased support for education and scientific research Expected increased support for education and scientific research Increased knowledge of locals about local nature Expected increased knowledge of locals about local nature Description of social and cultural benefits -Improved access to urban green space: "To facilitate access for everyone regardless of their abilities through the implementation of universal design principles. Heretofore, people with disabilities, older people and people with reduced mobility have not been able to access, appreciate or engage with the Nature Reserve and the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere." (Ref. 1 p. 17) -Protection of natural heritage: "To achieve the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere vision …… “to celebrate and promote a wider appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage of Dublin Bay, to capture the inherent passion of the community for the Biosphere concept and for Dublin Bay Biosphere to be an exemplar for a new wave of biospheres in the world network”. " (Ref. 1 p. 18) -Increased awareness of flora and fauna as culturally and historically meaningful: "To achieve the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere vision …… “to celebrate and promote a wider appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage of Dublin Bay, to capture the inherent passion of the community for the Biosphere concept and for Dublin Bay Biosphere to be an exemplar for a new wave of biospheres in the world network”." (Ref. 1 p. 18) -Increased appreciation for natural spaces: "Raising awareness and educational programming will reinforce and influence responsible behaviour and positive change with respect to the Nature reserve." (Ref. 1 p. 18) -Increased support for education and scientific research: "To act as a portal for universities to collaborate on scientific research and monitoring in Dublin Bay Biosphere and the dissemination of learning into educational programming." (Ref. 1 p. 18) -Increased knowledge of locals about local nature: "To facilitate a virtual experience and understanding of the marine ecosystem of the bay." (Ref. 1 p. 17) Evidence for use of assessment Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process Yes Actors involved in the assessment, monitoring or evaluation of NBS impacts Local government/municipality Public sector institution Presence of indicators used in reporting Yes Type of indicators Output indicators Process indicators Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports Yes Link to monitoring/evaluation reports https://www.ecoeireann.ie/case-study/managing-impact-dogs-dog-walkers-biodivers… Availability of a web-based monitoring tool No evidence in public records Name of any specific impact assessment tools Unknown Use of GIS in mapping impacts No evidence in public records Cost-benefit analysis Unknown Transparency Inclusion of diverse stakeholders in project governance processes (e.g. planning, implementation, monitoring, etc.) Community forums for information sharing and encouraging the participation of marginalized groups Clear communication channels for stakeholders to provide feedback, raise concerns, and ask questions about the project Justice Community satisfaction Unknown Description of locals satisfaction with the project Unknown Trade-offs & Negative impacts Unknown Emphasis of existing social inequalities or injustices No information reported related to negative social justice-related impacts of the NBS project Measures to prevent gentrification or displacement No initiatives or policies were implemented High-quality & Transformative NBS Multiple impacts delivery (climate, biodiversity, just community) Yes Goal setting and impacts delivery Yes, from the planning phase the project aimed to address issues in these three key priority areas and it also delivered benefits across these three areas. Reaching original project goals Inconclusive as the project is still undergoing implementation, or is still on its planning stages Long-term perspective Yes Cost-effective solutions Unknown Equitable impacts C. Unknown Transformative capacity Social change (e.g. social relationships, networks and dynamics within them) Ecological change (e.g. ecosystem functions and their distribution) Magnitude of change Incremental: shallow; that is, mostly maintaining business-as-usual approaches to adaptation Application of lessons learned Unknown Perception of Environmental Change Unknown 6. Sources References 1. Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape Services Dublin City Council (2020). North Bull Island Nature Reserve Action Plan 2020-2025 for the Implementation of Management Objectives . Dublin: Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape Services Dublin City Council , Accessed on September 3, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 2. Dublin City Council (n.d.). North Bull Island. Dublin City Council, Accessed on September 3, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 3. Dublin Bay Biosphere (n.d.). Dublin Bay Biosphere . Dublin Bay Biosphere, Accessed on September 4, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 4. Lynch, S. (2023). New plan aims to protect biodiversity on Bull Island. RTÉ, Accessed on September 4, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 5. LoveClontarf (2020). CRA: North Bull Island Action Plan | Dogs on Bull Island. LoveClontarf, Accessed on September 4, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 6. Corrigan, D. (2020). Dublin City Council Propose a New Action Plan for North Bull Island. Dublin Inquirer, Accessed on September 4, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 7. Harris, M., Bull, L (2021). Draft Dublin City Biodiversity Action Plan. Dublin City Council, Accessed on September 4, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 8. Parks & Landscape Services Dublin City Council (2020). Management of North Bull Island Nature Reserve . Parks & Landscape Services Dublin City Council , Accessed on September 4, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 9. Department of Public Health Dublin and North East (2024). Regional Population Profile Health Region: Dublin and North East. Department of Public Health Dublin and North East, Accessed on September 12, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; Comments and notes Public Images Image North Bull Island Natural Reserve Ref. 3 Image North Bull Island Natural Reserve Ref. 1 Image North Bull Island https://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/2023-03/North%20Bull%20Island%20Nature%20Reserve%202020-2025%20AP%20FINAL.pdf Image North Bull Island https://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/2023-03/North%20Bull%20Island%20Nature%20Reserve%202020-2025%20AP%20FINAL.pdf
Image North Bull Island https://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/2023-03/North%20Bull%20Island%20Nature%20Reserve%202020-2025%20AP%20FINAL.pdf
Image North Bull Island https://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/2023-03/North%20Bull%20Island%20Nature%20Reserve%202020-2025%20AP%20FINAL.pdf
