A call to protect nature, strengthen communities and put wellbeing at the heart of policy-making
Ireland’s protected habitats are in crisis, half of native wild plants are in decline, and climate action is lagging far behind what’s needed to safeguard future generations.
On Winnie-the-Pooh Day, 18 January, GAP Ireland is calling for renewed public and political commitment to address these problems, through sustained investment in community-led climate action, green spaces, and policies that place wellbeing above economic growth.
A century ago, A.A. Milne introduced the world to Winnie-the-Pooh, a bear whose gentle optimism reminds us that we are all part of something larger. His quiet courage and curiosity echo an essential truth: caring for our planet begins with how we live, and with what we do to change the systems that determine the choices available to us.
At GAP Ireland we believe that when people learn, connect and act together, they can help drive the system-level changes needed to protect nature and support wellbeing.
Through our programmes, GAP reconnects people with their local environment and communities. Research shows that time spent in nature improves mental health, builds social cohesion, and inspires environmental stewardship.
As Ireland faces accelerating environmental and social challenges, GAP is urging policymakers and citizens to support local climate action, urban green spaces and initiatives that promote wellbeing over relentless economic growth.
The lesson from Winnie-the-Pooh is timeless: We’re braver than we believe, stronger than we seem and smarter than we think, especially when we act together.
Winnie-the-Pooh reminds us that courage and curiosity matter, and that change comes when people act together. Protecting nature, supporting wellbeing and shaping a sustainable future requires all of us, working in ways both big and small.
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GAP Ireland’s work is grounded in the understanding that individual behaviour change, community action and systems change are deeply interconnected.
GAP Ireland supports people to take practical action in their daily lives, not as an end in itself, but because these actions, when shared and supported in communities (including schools and places of work) can create social tipping points that influence wider norms, markets and policies.
This people-centred approach complements the need for strong government leadership, public investment and regulatory reform to ensure sustainable choices are accessible and affordable for all.
GAP Ireland’s programmes aim to bridge the gap between personal action and structural change, helping to build the public support and collective momentum required for long-term environmental and social transformation.
Winnie-the-Pooh Day reflects this philosophy by highlighting how small, thoughtful actions – taken together – can build stronger communities and contribute to lasting societal change.
