The community living around one of Co Wexford's most outstanding bays is holding a summer school this weekend to discuss the future protection of a unique natural resource.
The Bannow Bay Coastal Zone Management Group has decided that it must be proactive about defending the area, before development pressures gain a foothold.
The group has invited all interested parties to join it in a consultative approach to protecting the bay from over-restriction, unplanned development or over-development - and from the danger of being rezoned without the knowledge or agreement of local people.
It says that Bannow Bay is arguably one of the most beautiful bays in Ireland, and that its water quality, fish and wild life, and its historical, archaeological and economic assets must rank it among the best in Europe.
The bay is an extensive shallow estuary, of the drowned-rivervalley type. About 75 per cent of the 1,120-hectare estuary bed is uncovered at low water, exposing mud and sandflats. It holds up to 20,000 wintering waterfowl.
With its saltmarshes and sand dunes, it is a Natural Heritage Area rated of international importance for its bird and plant life.
Such an important resource must not be taken for granted, the group says - "When something which we value is threatened, we react. Too seldom do we look to what we have and decide that we must be proactive."
The chairman of the Bannow Bay CZM Summer School, Mr Willie Gleeson, commented: "We want people to start discussing Bannow Bay and look towards formulating an agreed development plan."
He believes the future lies in the self-monitoring of Bannow Bay.
"If we can create a balance where all are respected, and show by our efforts that a consensual approach to the development of a coastal zone can work, we would than be putting ourselves in a very strong position with those who have responsibility for policy formulation," he points out.
"In the absence of such a plan and a strong group to push it along, the decisions about our lives in Bannow Bay will be taken at national or even European level."
The summer school will be opened in Fethard-on-Sea on Friday by the Minister of State for the Marine, Mr Hugh Byrne.
Underlying the various activities, such as heritage and history talks, field walks, site visits and lectures on aquaculture, will be the central question: "Can all sectors in the community, fishermen, farmers, environmental activists and so on, work together to improve this unique area which is Bannow Bay?"
Details are available from the group's honorary secretary, Ms Gemma Hearne, phone 051-397126.