Paddling and the Planet - FREE - Reflections and Actions

FREE Workshop - Tuesday 7th February at 7pm on Zoom

Susan Honan, Canoeing Ireland Bridge the Gap Ambassador, Board Member and experienced Sea Kayaker will lead a 3 person panel of experts in the area of susatainability/environmental experts drawn from our membership.

How do we (the paddling community) take small individual and collective actions that impact positively/do least harm when out doing what we enjoy the most? What steps can we take to become responsible paddling citizens?

For 90 minutes the panel will reflect individually and collectively on what consists "responsible paddling" in relation to the planet through their own area/field of expertise.

Panellists:

Stephen Hannon - Connecting to our Watery World

Stephen Hannon has been working as a lecturer in Outdoor Education in Atlantic Technological University (previously GMIT) since 1999.  He lectures in experiential education, facilitation and outdoor education and is involved with preparing graduates to work in the broad outdoor sector as instructors, facilitators, youth workers or teachers.  He has a lifelong interest in kayaking and canoeing both on river and sea and is interested in how these experiences can help us realise our interdependence on nature. Stephen has a strong interest in the provision of outdoor education and nature-based experiences for those experiencing social, physical, or intellectual disadvantage. 

Catherine Russel - Marine Litter and Individual Environmental Actions

Catherine Russel is a keen sea kayaker, environmentalist, and marine biologist with a degree in marine biology and oceanography and an MSc in Marine and coastal management from UCC. Currently working in environmental education and sustainability.

Cath is a level 3 sea kayaker, active member of WCKC and a member of ISKA. Facilitates marine environmental education and is a Leave No Trace Trainer, marine mammal medic, marine mammal observer and fundraiser for the RNLI.

During the summer season Cath can be found on board whale watching tours as a marine mammal observer and is involved with the Irish whale and dolphin group stranding programme using skills gained previously as marine medic for British divers marine life rescue. 

Dr. Debbie Heaphy - Policy to Practice - Sustainability Transition for Paddlers

Debbie Heaphy is  an Independent Environmental Scientist with a PhD “Applying the Principles of Sustainable Development to Landscape Character Assessment”. She worked for several years at the University of Greenwich as a Lecturer on the MSc Ecology and Conservation course and then as a freelance researcher for the University of Northumberland  working mainly on Ecosystem Services and Flood Defence Projects.

Note: this workshop will be delivered on a webinar format on Zoom so you won't need to have camera function on. You may ask questions to the panel through the Q&A function...

Any questions/queries in relation to the workshop please contact Hannah hannah@canoe.ie