'Paradise lost': A report on the emotional and personal impacts of the crisis of Lough Neagh

Many of those interviewed reported a deep emotional and cultural attachment to Lough Neagh, often based on long, multi-generational family ties to its shores, waters and natural life. They hold extensive and valuable knowledge of the Lough that encompasses but also stretches beyond scientific-ecological understandings of its unique ecosystems, to include its presence, role and importance in historical, social and cultural life and ways of being. “Our hope is that this report will help to raise the voices, concerns and wishes of those who are too often voiceless and unrepresented in discourses on environmental crisis and action, and left powerless in decision making. “Our report concludes that there is a clear emotional dimension of people’s connection to and attachment to the Lough. Many interviewed spoke with affection, reverence and deep concern for the Lough and it was clear they cared deeply for it. As is understandable, this love, care and connection results in deep feelings of sadness, anger, disbelief, fear and anxiety as a result of the ongoing ecological crisis. “One of the main findings of the report is the need for more research into the crisis, ecological, epidemiological and economic. Itis also suggested that this research needs to be more collaborative, involving all members of the community and stakeholders, on the appropriate modes of governance and policy development needed for the restoration and ecologically sustainable management of the Lough.