Pupils' field trip will take them into heart of Lough Neagh environmental collapse
Co Tyrone teenagers will experience a field trip onto Lough Neagh this week to explore its environmental collapse - and what can be done about it.
They will explore the issues only days after the matter was the subject - yet again - of intense debate at the NI Assembly.
The largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland, Lough Neagh has been largely covered by toxic blooms of blue-green algae over recent summers.
On Tuesday MLAs heard that a bid to stop NI Water’s immunity from environmental penalties has been on the Stormont Executive table for months.
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said he wants to update enforcement policy to protect rivers, lakes and loughs across the region.
Since its formation in 2007 NI Water has been protected from severe environmental enforcement regarding wastewater pollution.
NI Water, in turn, claims that decades of underinvestment hamper its ability to consistently meet required standards.
This week’s immersive educational project has been put together by the Lough Neagh Partnership, a non-governmental organisation committed to the sustainable development and protection of the Lough, and Magherafelt construction company, Henry Brothers.
Pupils aged 13 and 14 from Holy Trinity College, Cookstown will experience Lough Neagh first-hand and develop a greater understanding of the issues.
The programme combines an outdoor learning experience at Lough Neagh with classroom sessions, connecting practical observation with curriculum-based learning and expert knowledge.
Gerry Darby, Manager of Lough Neagh Partnership, told the News Letter: “Lough Neagh is one of our most important natural assets so it’s critical for the next generation to appreciate its unique environment.
“This programme demonstrates the value of bringing education, environmental expertise and business together to support our young people.
“By bringing students to the Lough and encouraging them to experience it first-hand, we can help them connect what they learn in the classroom with the real-world issues affecting the largest freshwater lake in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
"We want students to leave with a better understanding of the beauty of Lough Neagh and its shoreline, together with the challenges and, most importantly, a sense that they can play a positive role in the Lough’s future.
“We believe this initiative will be the starting point for a longer-term approach to environmental education around Lough Neagh. By working with schools and businesses, we can develop opportunities for more young people to learn about the Lough, understand its ecological and cultural importance, and become ambassadors for its protection.”
The programme launches on Thursday 22 October at Ballyronan Marina and includes boat trip onto Lough Neagh
Pupils will consider water quality and the factors which affect it, blue-green algae and nutrient enrichment, biodiversity and the importance of healthy habitats.
They will also hear the latest insights into climate change and changing environmental conditions and human activity and how it impacts the Lough.
Lastly they will reflect on what communities, organisations, businesses and individuals can do to restore the Lough to its previous condition.
The pupils will experience formal presentations on Landscape Restoration and Breeding Waders; Shoreline and Island Management; Sustainable Farming and Alternative Agricultural Practices; Strategic Management and Future of Lough Neagh and Commercial Activity and Challenges Facing Lough Neagh.