A nature reserve in Co Leitrim has twinned with the Sichuan Green Foundation and Giant Panda National Park in Wenchuan, China, home to the largest panda population in the world.
A ceremony to mark the unique partnership took place at the former Methodist church in Drumshanbo.
The connection between Drumshanbo Nature Reserve, Sichuan Green Foundation and Giant Panda National Park began in November 2024.
Pat and Denise Rigney, of The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, signed a partnership agreement with the Sichuan Green Foundation in Chengdu, China.
The Giant Panda National Park spans approximately 22,000 square kilometres across the Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces and is the most densely populated area for the animals in the world.
Drumshanbo Nature Reserve was established in 2023 when the Rigneys, founders of The Shed Distillery, purchased 80 acres of mountainous peatland.
It is envisaged that the reserve will remain a haven for the native hedgehog, woodcock, bees and other protected wildlife.
The Shed Distillery employs more than 100 people locally. It has pledged ongoing support for communities caring for the pandas and remains committed to ecological conservation through sales of the Panda Conservation Edition of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin.
Yang Qin and Zhang Li, who are recognised as panda guardians, attended the twinning ceremony.
They were welcomed by local public representatives, wildlife and environmental groups, as well as members of the Drumshanbo community.
Mr Rigney said they are thrilled to celebrate the twinning of the nature reserve with the Giant Panda National Park.
"This partnership reflects our core values of sustainability, community, and conservation, and strengthens our ongoing commitment to the welfare of the pandas and their habitats."
Secretary General of the Sichuan Green Foundation Zhou Zhigang said the support has been instrumental to the work.
"It empowers local communities and reinforces the harmony between people and nature -and now, through this twinning, that vision extends all the way to Ireland."
Chair of the Industry and Commerce Association of Ireland (ICAOI) Dr Yupeng Liu also commended the initiative.
