Welcome to the Celtic Heritage Trust

Our Goal is to Assist in the Global Movement Toward Sustainable Development

This involves direct & indirect actions with individuals and communities. We are a catalyst for networking and better communications at all levels.

ONE SMALL STEP FOR MANKIND - ONE GIANT LEAP FOR NATURE

Join the Celtic Heritage Trust: Click here to pledge your support.

The EU has lost the majority of natural woodlands, more than half of its wetlands as well as a large proportion of its species-rich agricultural habitats.  Many marine ecosystems are also suffering from human derived impacts.

At the species level, 335 vertebrate species – including some sea mammals and 38% of bird species – are at risk of extinction, while many fish stocks are outside safe biological limits. 

Worldwide, over 11 000 species of plants and animals face a high risk of extinction in the near future, as species extinction is 1 000 to 10 000 times higher than the natural rate.

Recent studies predict that environmental degradation could lead to the extinction of an eighth of the world’s bird species, and climate change could make a quarter of all land animals and plants extinct by 2050.

Biodiversity loss undermines the livelihoods of the rural poor and is an impediment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals related to poverty eradication, health and environment.

The proportion of fish catches in EU-managed waters that come from stocks considered to be outside safe biological limits may indicate the status of marine biodiversity. In recent years this proportion has been around 40 to 60 % for demersal fish (like cod, hake and other valuable fish) and between 30 and 50% for benthic fish (such as flatfish, monkfish, and crustaceans).

The amount of waste generated throughout the Community has increased significantly over the last decades, but very few countries have yet shown signs of decoupling waste generation from GDP growth.

Soil loss continues to be of concern. 20% of European shoreline is retreating or has had to be artificially stabilised. Over the past 50 years the population living in EU coastal municipalities more than doubled to 70 million people (16% of the EU25 population).  Built-up areas are spreading across Europe and increasing much faster than the population. Built-up areas have a heavy impact on soil functions.

Fresh water is a finite and precious resource essential for sustainable life, for economic activities and for the environment. Equitable and sustainable water management is in the interest of society as a whole. The global water crisis threatens lives and even peace and security.