EPA STRIVE Programme 2007-2013 Science, Technology, Research & Innovation for the Environment (STRIVE) - An Environmental Protection Agency Programme 2007-2013

The new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programme for Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for the Environment (STRIVE) is based on the following:

• the Environmental Research Sub-programmes of the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013;
• the Government’s Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation, launched in 2006;
• the EPA’s most recent assessments of the state of Ireland’s environment;
• The EPA’s strategy 2020 Vision – Protecting and Improving Ireland’s Environment;
• a series of workshops organised by the Agency, mainly during 2006, involving environmental policymakers, managers and researchers;
• the experience gained in the previous EPA programme 2000 – 2006.

It also takes account of developments at EU level, in respect of environment and research, and of the wider international context.

The general objective of the EPA STRIVE Programme is:

To protect and improve the natural environment by addressing key environmental management issues through the provision of world-class scientific knowledge generated through a vibrant, competitive programme of research supported and co-ordinated by the EPA.

The programme covers the period 2007 to 2013 and comprises the following:

• seven principal thematic areas;
• three key measures; and
• two measures in support of these.

The seven principal thematic areas for the programme are as follows:

• Theme A: Climate Change;
• Theme B: Waste, Resource Management & Chemicals;
• Theme C: Water Quality and the Aquatic Environment;
• Theme D: Air Quality, Atmospheric Deposition and Noise;
• Theme E: Impacts on Biodiversity;
• Theme F: Soils and Land-use; and
• Theme G:  Socio-economic Considerations.

In addition, other emerging issues will be taken on board as the need arises.