CO-SUSTAIN is an interdisciplinary research project hosted by the Trinity Centre for Environmental Humanities and led by Dr Ruth Brennan under the sponsorship of Prof. Poul Holm. From October 2018 to October 2020, Dr Brennan will work closely with the Irish Islands Marine Resources Organisation (IIMRO) to co-design and test innovative governance approaches that promote good governance, foster marine stewardship and contribute to sustainability goals while meeting the need of fisheries-dependent coastal communities to flourish. This interdisciplinary research will be focused on the four island groups of Donegal, Mayo, Galway and Cork on the Irish west coast. It will draw together marine science (natural and social), political ecology, law, environmental governance, environmental history and gender studies to:
The findings will provide governance actors (in coastal communities and in the policy environment) and academics with a better understanding of:
The findings will also contribute to the implementation of:
The planned research outputs include four journal articles, a policy report, presenting the research at international conferences, and international seminars and webinars. A tailored dissemination and communication plan will increase awareness of the research aims and findings.
Numerous outreach activities, including the use of social media, will allow the transfer of knowledge in academy and companies, and also to the general public.
Images credit: Seamus Bonner