Preparatory market research to determine the preferred themes for a national promotion campaign

Description

Natura 2000 is a European network of important ecological sites stretching over 18% of the EU’s land area and more than 8% of its marine territory. It is comprised of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) designated by Member States under the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive, respectively. The aim of the network is to ensure the long-term survival of Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats. Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE Integrated Project (IP) is a nine-year environmental project (2021-2029) led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It aims to improve Ireland's performance in conserving Natura 2000 sites, and in particular to improve the conservation status in the Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) network of blanket bog, a priority habitat under the EU Habitats Directive. The primary focus is on 24 Natura 2000 sites in the northwest of Ireland. The project targets the delivery of environmental benefits to associated habitats and species, in addition to being significantly climate and water quality related. Equally, the project aims to deliver benefits for communities in and around Natura 2000 sites through land management, capacity-building and education and awareness activities. These activities include the implementation of a locally adapted Results-Based agri-environmental Payment Scheme (RBPS) for farmers and landowners, establishing and working with community support groups, engaging in tourism promotion activities, delivering schools and community education programmes and administering land management programmes. Another key action of the project will be a national campaign to enhance public awareness and appreciation of Ireland’s Natura 2000 network. In order to develop a communications strategy for the delivery of that action, Wild Atlantic Nature seek market research consultants to carry out preparatory market research to determine the preferred themes for the Natura 2000 national promotion campaign. This will involve