Irelands natural, archaeological, cultural and maritime heritage are intrinsically linked with the current day livelihoods of what Ireland has become today. Aspects of natural, archaeological, historical and maritime heritage also contribute significantly to the biodiversity of an area.
Under the Convention on Biological Diversity Ireland has an obligation to take steps to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010.
While many current studies of biodiversity issues relate solely to the natural biodiversity of an area, it is becoming increasingly necessary to incorporate elements of cultures, archaeology and the sustainability of livelihoods into biodiversity action plans.
MERC consultants believe it is necessary to address all these issues in any assessment of local biodiversity and to this end employ archaeologists and historians who are leaders in their field to assist in the completion of such studies.

We have recently completed a study of the biodiversity of Kilkieran Bay, Co. Galway, which addresses all of these issues. This study funded by the Heritage Council, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Udaras na Gealtachta is available to download here.