'A true guardian of nature,' Waterford ecologist wins prestigious leadership award
Ecologist Katriina Bent takes home the Leadership Award at the An Taisce Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Awards 2025.
Tramore Eco Group Ecologist Katriina Bent took home the Leadership Award at the 2025 Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Awards.
The An Taisce-hosted awards were held at the Gibson Hotel, Dublin, on Friday and recognise groups and volunteers across the country who work to protect Ireland's coastal environment.
Katriina was shortlisted for her work in safeguarding Tramore’s famous sand dunes and promoting pollinator-friendly areas in her community.
The nomination notes said: “Katriina is a true guardian of nature.” Tramore Eco Group was nominated for three awards at this year’s event.
In addition to the Leadership win, the group was also nominated for the Nature Guardian award and the Campaign Ambassador Award.
The group’s award-worthy work includes the replanting of marram grass on the sand dunes, the construction of chestnut fencing, and a weekly beach clean-up.
On that note, Molly’s Cafe was also shortlisted for the Community Champion (Business) Award for Molly’s support of local community groups, including the beach cleaners and the use of her meeting room for education seminars, training and events for locals.
“Molly is kind, helpful and community-oriented oriented and her business is a trailblazer in championing for the community,” the nomination notes said.
