Geopark status could boost region by £3m locally

Geopark status could boost region by £3m locally

21 February 2018

LOCAL politicians have been given an insight into what securing a world renowned tourism designation for an area stretching from Strangford Lough to South Armagh could mean for the district.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council is seeking the prestigious UNESCO geopark status for an area taking in the Mournes, Ring of Gullion and Strangford and Lecale Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Currently, only one other geopark exists in Northern Ireland, centred on the Marble Arch Caves in Fermanagh.

For the past 10 months, consultants have been working on the local council’s bid for geopark status ahead of a formal application being made next year. 

While the cost of preparing the submission is likely to be in the region of £30,000, council officials claim geopark designation could be worth around £3m for local tourism.

Geoparks are based around significant areas of geology and are set up to support sustainable economic development of an area, primarily through geological and eco-tourism. 

Mournes councillor Willie Clarke was one of a number of politicians who attended a recent information session delivered by officials from Geological Survey NI on the proposed geopark.

He said the officials explained global geopark brand was not a statutory designation and did not impose any restrictions on planning or development.

Cllr Clarke said that the the brand worked in tandem with local landowners, businesses and communities to use the natural heritage as a tool for sustainable tourism. 

“Only those sites with public access or with specific access arrangements will be actively promoted as part of the geopark to ensure that the area is sensitively managed, with the interests of the local communities and landowners at its very core,” he continued.

Cllr Clarke said geopark status was awarded to areas with internationally important geological heritage and that there was no shortage of those in the Down and Mourne area.

“From the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Ring of Gullion, to the high granite peaks of the Mournes and the rolling drumlins of Strangford Lough, the region has long been prized for its landscape, all of which has been formed and shaped by various earth processes over millions of years,” he continued.

“A geopark will bring significant economic benefits and will also have an important role to play in empowering local communities, giving them the opportunities to develop cohesive partnerships with the common goal of promoting the area’s significant geological and other heritage.”

Cllr Clarke said the information session revealed that if the bid for geopark status was successful, the brand would use the shared geological heritage of the three areas as a mechanism for sustainable tourism, generating economic benefits, providing recreational opportunities and increasing awareness of the natural capital of the entire area.

He said that in addition to natural heritage, geoparks included areas with cultural heritage such as historical and archaeological sites and so-called intangible heritage such as literature and art, all of which have been influenced by the geological heritage.

Cllr Clarke continued: “Newry Mourne and Down Council is to undertake an extensive consultation exercise with stakeholders and the wider community which is an important part of this process, along with gathering information about the landscape, its natural and built history, biodiversity and culture.”

The Mournes councillor said as a result of this information and discussions with the community, a series of workshops and meetings with stakeholders across the entire proposed geopark area will take place.