February 2011

It may come as something of a surprise to many people that one of Co Mayo’s most realisable long-term energy resource options, especially in terms of benefits to local communities and local economies, is the development of sustainable forestry. 
A research project I was involved in a few years ago (the Mayo Energy Audit) found that Co Mayo could meet over one third of its total heating requirements from wood produced in sustainably managed deciduous woodland, in combination with a smaller area of coniferous plantation.

The US-based conservation consultancy Wildlife Works Carbon won the race to issue the world’s first offset credits for the voluntary carbon market from a project designed to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD).

Will there be a new joint-venture?