Leave No Trace Ireland, a program that promotes the responsible use of the outdoors in Ireland, has launched its Love This Place campaign, which urges the Irish public to enjoy the outdoors with care and respect.
Launched on May 28 in collaboration with TV personality Roz Purcell and Minister of State for Nature Malcolm Noonan, the Love This Place campaign highlights three specific "calls to action".
The campaign urges the public to "stick to the path" to avoid trampling natural habitats and "be a responsible dog owner" by keeping their dogs on a leash and picking up their dog's waste. It additionally calls on the public to "keep Ireland litter free", asking people to bring their litter home and dispose of it responsibly.
The campaign aims to promote a collective national effort to protect, respect, and care for Ireland's beautiful outdoor spaces.
The Love This Place campaign will run throughout June, July, and August and features a National Love This Place Day on July 28, promoting a day of environmental action.
Maura Kiely, Chief Executive of Leave No Trace Ireland, said the campaign aims to cultivate care and respect for outdoor spaces in Ireland.
"Research conducted by Leave No Trace Ireland confirms the need for targeted initiatives to raise awareness, particularly among younger people, around the importance of sustainable outdoor recreational practices," Kiely said in a statement.
"We need to equip individuals with knowledge and advice so that they can minimize their environmental impact while continuing to enjoy Ireland's beautiful landscapes, terrain, and habitats.
"We are asking everyone to take one or two simple actions that support responsible enjoyment of the outdoors and reinforce the environmental stewardship that all of us share."
Roz Purcell said she was "honored" to collaborate with Leave No Trace Ireland for the summer campaign.
"Together, we can ensure the longevity of our natural treasures by adopting mindful behaviors during our outdoor adventures. Let's make a collective promise to love and protect our cherished landscapes," Purcell said.
Noonan, meanwhile, said the protection and restoration of nature and wildlife in Ireland is "more important now than ever".
"We are all responsible for looking after the natural world, but it’s only by working together that we can protect the countryside and ensure that when we’re out enjoying it, no trace is left behind," Noonan said.