The 35 blanket bog project sites in the counties of Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, and Galway are the main focus of the Wild Atlantic Nature initiative.

In exchange for making improvements to their farms that benefit the environment, farmers in these regions are paid depending on outcomes.

820 farmers took part, and direct payments totalling more than €3 million were given.

The Department of Agriculture's results based Agri Climate Rural Environment Scheme Cooperation Project (ACRES CP) was developed with input from the government, citing factual information obtained.

It is one of five initiatives chosen from around 100 that were acknowledged in the Working Together for Nature category and given an award by the EU's Natura 2000 Award.

Derek McLoughlin, the project manager for the Wild Atlantic Nature scheme, clarified that the programme comprises farms in conservation zones from north Donegal to the south of the Clare-Galway border, with a primary concentration on blanket bog regions.

According to him, rewards to farmers were formerly linked to specific tasks like installing gates or fences, but this programme recognised accomplishments.

“This one involves evaluating the ground's, peatlands', grasslands', and other environmental qualities. A farmer earns a better grade and larger rewards in proportion to the ecological quality.”

The reason blanket bogs are the emphasis, according to him, is that “from a European perspective, they are similar to our rainforests here in Ireland. They are the highest quality habitats that we have.” Over 85% of the blanket bogs in Europe are found here.

The jury in Europe concluded that: “The Wild Atlantic Nature project has delivered an extremely convincing demonstration of how farmers can be paid fairly and effectively to protect Natura 2000 sites and habitats.”

The National Parks & Wildlife Service is in charge of the programme, and the Department of Housing provides funding.