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Natural Sciences

Dr Gesche Kindermann

MSc, Ph.D.

Contact Details

Lecturer
Applied Ecology Unit
Centre for Environmental Science
Arts/Science Concourse
National University of Ireland Galway
T: 091 493862
E: gesche.kindermann@nuigalway.ie
 
researcher
 

Biography

I am the director of the MSc Environmental Leadership and the academic coordinator for the MSc in Biodiversity and Land Use Planning. 
I work on the EPA funded Sheer Wellbeing Project and NEAR Health, an EPA/HSE funded project. I lead on the workpackage which asks stakeholders about their values, perceptions, motivations, and barriers to using nature for health and wellbeing. I have extensive experience in researching Irish ecosystems with an emphasis on their conservation management. A particular focus of my work is stakeholder engagement in this process. My main areas of interest are habitat and landscape conservation management with particular focus on coastal dune systems and machairs. I am particularly interested in the management of human use of these areas.
I graduated from NUI Galway in 2001 with a BSc in Environmental Science. I then completed a Masters in Ecosystem Conservation and Landscape Management at UCC in 2003. This was followed by voluntary work with the Wildlife Conservation Society in Maroansetra, Madagascar, following which I returned to NUIG for a PhD. In 2011 I completed my thesis ’Impacts of tourism activity on coastal dune systems’, sponsored by IRCSET through the Embark Initiative.

Research Interests

My main area of interest is the interrelationship between the environment, its conservation, and human use.
Current research looks at the interconnectedness of human and environmental health, which uses a crosscutting approach to assess values, perceptions, motivations and barriers to using nature for health and wellbeing. The Nature and Environment to Attain and Restore Health (NEAR Health) project combines multidisciplinary expertise to engage communities in the natural environment to benefit their health and wellbeing. Health professionals, ecologists and marketing, innovation and social policy specialists have come together to develop a framework for integrating health promotion and environmental awareness in Ireland. The main objective of the NEAR Health project is to apply a combination of tools to appraise values, motivations and barriers of stakeholders to engage with their environment throughout their lifecourse. The team collaborates with policymakers, practitioners and communities and other stakeholders to explore the types and qualities of public spaces that can be used in the design and implementation of inclusive nature-based solutions to assist communities to attain, maintain and restore health, while also encouraging sustainable use and conservation of the environment. The Sheer Wellbeing Project that I am involved in aims to explore the key forces and patterns at work in relation to access to blue/green spaces in Ireland and possible impacts in national, regional and local contexts through data analytics, visualisation and mapping.
Other work further looks at ecosystem services and researching Irish ecosystems with an emphasis on their conservation management and managing human activities within them, with a focus on Leave no Trace principles and engaging stakeholders in relevant management approaches.
Previous research assessed the management of recreational activities with in coastal SACs containing such dune systems and to establish how SACs can be managed for conservation while allowing for other activities such as recreation to take place. This involved assessing the direct impacts of recreation on the habitats in coastal conservation areas, recording and comparing the current ground level management practices and stakeholders’ opinions on the current situation, with the aim to compile a list of good practice management methods for use in other sites. 

Published Reports

  Year Publication
(2021) Environmental sustainability of learning and teaching.
EUA Thematic Peer Group “Environmental sustainability of learning and teaching” Julie Gwilliam (chair), Andrea Bernhard, Natalia Timus, Pól Ó Dochartaigh, Michelle O’Dowd, Gesche Kindermann, Elena Luppi, Margien Bootsma, Karin Rebel, Jackie Labbe. Andrew Reeves, Ross Kelly, Helena Peterbauer (2021) Environmental sustainability of learning and teaching. European University Association, Brussles, Belgium. [Details]
(2021) Our Environment, Our Health, Our Wellbeing: Access to Blue/Green Spaces in Ireland.
Christine Domegan, Gesche Kindermann, Niall Ó Brolcháin, Easkey Britton, Caitriona Carlin, Edobor Osagie, Mark O’Loughlin, Martin Cormican, Fiona Donovan, Maurice Mulcahy, Angela Sice, Courtney Yanta and Diarmuid O’Donovan (2021) Our Environment, Our Health, Our Wellbeing: Access to Blue/Green Spaces in Ireland. Environmental Protection Agency, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, Ireland. [Details]
(2020) Nature and Environment to Attain and Restore Health (NEAR Health).
Carlin, C., Kindermann, G., Britton, E., Cormican, M., Domegan, C., Gormally, M. and O’Donovan, D. (2020) Nature and Environment to Attain and Restore Health (NEAR Health). Environmental Protection Agency, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, Ireland. [Details]
(2020) Toolkit: Connecting with Nature for Health and Wellbeing.
Caitríona Carlin, Gesche Kindermann, Easkey Britton, Martin Cormican, Christine Domegan, Mike Gormally and Diarmuid O’Donovan (2020) Toolkit: Connecting with Nature for Health and Wellbeing. Environmental Protection Agency, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, Ireland. [Details]
(2020) Covid-19 and Sheer Wellbeing 2020 - Access to and Use of Blue/Green Spaces in Ireland during a Pandemic.
Gesche Kindermann, Christine Domegan and Sinead Duane (2020) Covid-19 and Sheer Wellbeing 2020 - Access to and Use of Blue/Green Spaces in Ireland during a Pandemic. Environmental Protection Agency, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, Ireland. [Details]

Peer Reviewed Journals

  Year Publication
(2021) 'Tolerance to extreme hot and cold temperatures in the EU-protected terrestrial slug Geomalacus maculosus'
Manuela Carnaghi, Gesche Kindermann, Inga Reich, Jerome Shehan, Michael J Gormally (2021) 'Tolerance to extreme hot and cold temperatures in the EU-protected terrestrial slug Geomalacus maculosus'. Journal Of Molluscan Studies, 87 (1) [DOI] [Details]
(2020) 'Surfing and the Senses: Using Body Mapping to Understand the Embodied and Therapeutic Experiences of Young Surfers with Autism'
Easkey Britton, Gesche Kindermann, and Caitriona Carlin (2020) 'Surfing and the Senses: Using Body Mapping to Understand the Embodied and Therapeutic Experiences of Young Surfers with Autism'. Journal Of Community Psychology, [Details]
(2020) 'Blue care: a systematic review of blue space interventions for health and wellbeing'
Britton E;Kindermann G;Domegan C;Carlin C; (2020) 'Blue care: a systematic review of blue space interventions for health and wellbeing'. Health Promotion International, 35 (1) [DOI] [Details]
(2017) 'Mature exotic conifer stands have greater catches of the EU-protected Geomalacus maculosus than adjacent peatland or clear-felled stands—implications for forestry'
Erin Johnston, Gesche Kindermann, Jack O’Callaghan, Daniel Burke, Cillian McLoughlin, Sinéad Horgan, Inga Reich, Rory Mc Donnell, Christopher D. Williams & Michael Gormally (2017) 'Mature exotic conifer stands have greater catches of the EU-protected Geomalacus maculosus than adjacent peatland or clear-felled stands—implications for forestry'. Annals Of Forest Science, [Details]
(2018) 'A Rapid Assessment Framework for Irish Habitats: A Case Study of Machair Habitat Quality'
Thomas Gorman, Gesche Kindermann, Terry Morley (2018) 'A Rapid Assessment Framework for Irish Habitats: A Case Study of Machair Habitat Quality'. Irish Geography, [Details]
(2017) 'Monitoring the EU protected Geomalacus maculosus (Kerry Slug): what are the factors affecting catch returns in open and forested habitats?'
Johnston, E;Kindermann, G;O'Callaghan, J;Burke, D;McLaughlin, C;Horgan, S;Mc Donnell, R;Williams, C;Gormally, M (2017) 'Monitoring the EU protected Geomalacus maculosus (Kerry Slug): what are the factors affecting catch returns in open and forested habitats?'. Ecological Research, 32 :95-104 [DOI] [Details]
(2017) 'Nematode associates and susceptibility of a protected slug (Geomalacus maculosus) to four biocontrol nematodes'
Carnaghi, M;Rae, R;De Ley, IT;Johnston, E;Kindermann, G;Mc Donnell, R;O'Hanlon, A;Reich, I;Sheahan, J;Williams, CD;Gormally, MJ (2017) 'Nematode associates and susceptibility of a protected slug (Geomalacus maculosus) to four biocontrol nematodes'. Biocontrol Science And Technology, 27 :294-299 [DOI] [Details]
(2013) 'Stakeholder perceptions of recreational and management impacts on protected coastal dune systems: A comparison of three European countries'
Gesche Kindermann, Mike Gormally (2013) 'Stakeholder perceptions of recreational and management impacts on protected coastal dune systems: A comparison of three European countries'. Land Use Policy, 31 :472-485 [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2010) 'Vehicle damage caused by recreational use of coastal dune systems in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) on the west coast of Ireland'
Kindermann, G., Gormally, M. (2010) 'Vehicle damage caused by recreational use of coastal dune systems in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) on the west coast of Ireland'. Journal Of Coastal Conservation, 14 :173-188 [Details]

Edited Books

  Year Publication
(2016) Landscape Values: Theory and Praxis.
Gesche Kinderman, Tim Collins, Nessa Cronin, Conor Newman (Ed.). (2016) Landscape Values: Theory and Praxis. Galway, Ireland: Centre for Landscape Studies, NUI Galway. [Details]

Conference Contributions

  Year Publication
(2018) Leave no Trace AGM,
Gesche Kindermann, Caitriona Carlin, Easkey Britton (2018) NEAR Health Project @NEARhealth_NUIG Nature and Environment to Attain and Restore Health. [Invited Oral Presentation], Leave no Trace AGM, Dublin , 10-MAY-18. [Details]
(2021) 3rd Ecology and Evolution Conference,
John Quinn, Gesche Kindermann, Tara Dirilgen, Jenny Bortoluzz, Markus Eichhorn, Tom Reed, Fidelma Butler, Samantha Ball (2021) Irish Ecological Association Conference. [Conference Organising Committee Member], 3rd Ecology and Evolution Conference, UCC , 07-JAN-21. [Details]
(2019) 2nd Ecology and Evolution Conference,
Gesche Kindermann, Dara Stanley, Heather Lally, Luca Mirimin, Maureen Williams, Annabel Smith (2019) Irish Ecological Association Conference. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], 2nd Ecology and Evolution Conference, GMIT & NUI Galway , 10-JAN-19 - 12-JAN-19. [Details]
(2016) UNISCAPE International Landscape Conference,
Collins, T., Kindermann, G., Newman, C. and Cronin, N. (2016) Landscape Values: Place and Praxis. [Conference Organising Committee Member], UNISCAPE International Landscape Conference, NUI Galway , 29-JUN-16 - 02-JUL-16. [Details]
(2019) Mindscape,
Easkey Britton, Caitriona Carlin and Gesche Kindermann (2019) Nature-Based Interventions for Wellbeing. [Oral Presentation], Mindscape, Limerick , 23-MAY-19 - 24-MAY-19. [Details]
(2017) Mindscape,
Tadgh MacIntyre, Gesche Kindermann, Easkey Britton, Caitriona Carlin (2017) Nature-Based Solutions for Community and Campus Well-Being. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Mindscape, Limerick , 14-OCT-17. [Details]
(2019) Outdoor Recreation,
Caitríona Carlin, Gesche Kindermann and Easkey Britton (2019) Taking steps to notice nature and nurture health. [Oral Presentation], Outdoor Recreation, Dublin , 14-JUN-19. [Details]
(2017) Environment, Health and Wellbeing Conference,
Easkey Britton, Caitriona Carlin and Gesche Kindermann (2017) Engaging communities in nature-based programmes for health and wellbeing. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Environment, Health and Wellbeing Conference, Dublin , 01-NOV-17. [Details]
(2018) Learning Landscape Symposium,
Easkey Britton, Caitriona Carlin and Gesche Kindermann (2018) What do communities want from their nearby green and blue environment for their health and wellbeing?. [Workshop chair], Learning Landscape Symposium, Kinvara, Co.Galway , 09-MAR-18 - 11-MAR-18. [Details]
(2017) Learning Landscape Symposium,
Caitríona Carlin, Gesche Kindermann and Easkey Britton (2017) Bridges or barriers? Exploring how people perceive nature and ways to identify and overcome barriers. [Workshop chair], Learning Landscape Symposium, Kinvara, Co.Galway , 10-MAR-17 - 12-MAR-17. [Details]
(2020) Human Health and the Ocean in a Changing World,
Gesche Kindermann, Caitriona Carlin, Easkey Britton (2020) NEAR Health: the benefits of nature-based activities in Blue Spaces for human and ocean health. [Oral Presentation], Human Health and the Ocean in a Changing World, Monte-Carlo, Monaco , 02-DEC-20 - 03-DEC-20. [Details]
(2020) Health Promotion Conference 2020,
Caitríona Carlin, Gesche Kindermann and Easkey Britton (2020) Connecting with nature to benefit health and wellbeing. [Oral Presentation], Health Promotion Conference 2020, NUI Galway , 18-JUN-20. [Details]
(2017) 37th IAH (Irish Group) Annual Conference,
Grainne Barron, Tiernan Henry, Gesche Kindermann (2017) Development of a focussed Integrated Catchment Management toolkit for use in secondary schools. [Oral Presentation], 37th IAH (Irish Group) Annual Conference, Tullamore , 14-APR-17. [Details]

Thesis

  Year Publication
(2011) Protected coastal dune systems: Recreational impacts and users’ perceptions regarding nature conservation with specific reference to machair.
Gesche Kindermann (2011) Protected coastal dune systems: Recreational impacts and users’ perceptions regarding nature conservation with specific reference to machair. Thesis [Details]

Professional Associations

  Association Function From / To
Leave no Trace Research Committee Member /
Environmental Science Association Ireland College Liaison for NUIG /
Irish Ecological Association Committee Member /

Committees

  Committee Function From / To
School of Natural Sciences Postgraduate Committee Member 31-MAY-19 /
Community and University Sustainability Partnership Work Group Leader since 2019 31-MAY-18 /
School of Natural Sciences Postgraduate Taught Committee Member 01-SEP-11 / 01-MAY-19
Biodiversity and Bioresources cluster of the Ryan Institute Member 01-JAN-19 /
College of Science Graduate Studies Committee SNS PGT representative 01-JAN-19 / 31-MAY-20
School of Natural Sciences Postgraduate Research Committee Committee Member 01-JAN-19 /
School of Natural Sciences Postgraduate Taught Committee Chair 01-JAN-19 / 31-MAY-20

Education

  Year Institution Qualification Subject
2001 NUIG BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
2015 NUIG Postgraduate Diploma Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
2003 UCC MSc Ecosystem Conservation & Landscape Management
2011 NUIG PhD Environmental Science

Teaching Interests

I am the director of the MSc in Environmental Leadership and I coordinate the MSc in Biodiversity and Land Use Planning. I teach on both courses and contribute to further UG and PG courses in the School of Natural Sciences, including the new Introduction to Sustainability module.

Subjects include:

  • Ecosystem Sciences
  • Biodiversity Legislation and Policy
  • Habitat Identification and Assessment
  • Habitat Management and Restoration
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Strategic Impact Assessment
  • Appropriate Assessment
  • Environmental Leadership
  • Communicating Science and Research

  

Recent Postgraduate Students

  Graduation Name Degree Primary Supervisor
2017 Erin Johnston PhD

Modules Taught

  Term/Year Module Title Module Code Subject / Desc
since 2018/19 Communicating Science & Research EV5102
2019/20 Introduction to Sustainability BSS2103
since 2019/20 Environmental Leadership EV6102
since 2011/12 Habitat Identification and Assessment EV527 This module explores what a habitat is and the factors that influence habitat assessments. Specific reference will be made to habitat requirements, attributes & properties, monitoring issues (such as establishing a baseline, recruitment & mortality) and conservation evaluation criteria etc. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the connections between these requirements with a view to producing an overall habitat assessment procedure.
since 2011/12 Habitat Management and Restoration EV528 This module outlines what habitat management is and why it is necessary. Philosophical approaches to habitat management, creation and restoration are explored. Principles of habitat management are summarised in relation to the objectives of any management technique, with special reference to management for a number of different taxa including; i.e. plants, fungi, lichens, invertebrates and vertebrates, etc.
since 2011/12 Ecosystem Sciences EV507 This module explores how the ecosystem can be assessed from a number of different perspectives including; i.e. geology, hydrology, soils, biodiversity, etc. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the connections between these parameters with a view to producing an overall integrated ecosystem assessment procedure.
since 2011/12 Ecological Survey Techniques EV514 The objective of this course is to introduce students to a variety of fieldwork techniques used for ecological surveys. Survey methodologies include plant surveys using frame and pin quadrats, animal surveys using small mammal traps and stream / river surveys with reference to macroinvertebrate sampling and associated physical parameters.
since 2011/12 Invasive Species & Biodiversity EV534
since 2011/12 Environmental Impact Assessent (EIA) EV529
since 2011/12 Appropriate Assessment (AA) EV531
since 2011/12 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) EV530
since 2011/12 Water Framework Directive (WFD) EV5101