Dr James Moran

Lecturer and Researcher in Agro-ecology
+353 (0)91 742885

James is a lecturer in Ecology and Biology at Galway Mayo Institute of Technology teaching on agriculture and environment related programmes. He leads the Agro-ecology and Rural Development (ARD) research group within the MFRC at GMIT. The ARD research group is a working partnership between GMIT and IT Sligo. His research and outreach work concentrates on sustainable agricultural systems. Research areas include rural development; agri-environmental scheme design; High Nature Value farmland; biodiversity and ecosystem services; protected areas management; grazing ecology and wetland ecosystems. Outreach work focuses on improving agriculture policy and practice with a particular focus on the Common Agriculture Policy. He is a member of the National Biodiversity Forum; the National Rural Network sub-committee on Biodiversity, Environmental Challenges and LIFE Programmes; the Uplands Management Board of the Heritage Council; and board member of European Results Based Payments Network.

Ireland’s breeding wader populations have suffered dramatic declines in population size and national breeding range. Remaining breeding populations are teetering on the brink of extirpation, functional extinction, or both. The primary objective of this EIP-Agri project is to tackle the multifaceted causes behind the significant declines in breeding wader populations, including changes in land use practices and policy. Central to achieving the project’s goals is the enhancement of productivity within these populations. The project will establish connections with landowners, stakeholders and communities to foster a comprehensive understanding of the breeding waders’ requirements within the landscape. By recognising, valuing, and protecting these species, the EIP-Agri project is promoting a range of ecosystem services that are of benefit to the whole of society.
This research takes an ecosystem services modelling approach combined with farm-level bio-economic models to investigate optimal farming systems that maximise the potential of semi-natural and improved agricultural areas of diverse farms.
This research aims to improve corncrake conservation status in Ireland by enhancing the SPA network and surrounding farmland.
Across Europe High Nature Value farmland and forests (HNVFF) support high biodiversity including various rare and threatened species. The HNV_FarmForBio project will identify, characterise and map the national extent of HNV farmland and forest areas.
The Hen Harrier Project aims to improve the sustainability of rural areas within areas designated as Special Protection Areas for Hen Harriers.
The primary objective of this project is to adopt innovative approaches to add value to the Blackstairs hill farming system whilst simultaneously improving habitat condition.
This project aims to provide long term benefits for biodiversity and river ecosystems, while helping to supporting a vibrant local rural economy.
This HNV farmland development project which has been running since 2010, provides seed funding for a number of initiatives including HNV network development, EIP operational groups, uplands and offshore islands work.