Geopark status sought for area

Geopark status sought for area

13 November 2019

A BID to secure a world renowned tourism designation for an area stretching across a huge area from Strangford Lough to South Armagh will be made this month.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council is seeking prestigious UNESCO geopark status for an area taking in the Mournes, Ring of Gullion and the Strangford and Lecale Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It was confirmed this week that the formal application to secure geopark status will be submitted before the end of November with those behind the bid confident that it has the potential to generate millions of pounds for the local economy.

The Marble Arch Caves geopark — which inhabits the rugged mountainous uplands and gentle rolling lowlands of counties Cavan and Fermanagh — contributes just over £15m to the economy.

Those behind the ambitious plan for the huge area stretching from the Mournes, to the Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough are confident that if secured, geopark status can also help transform the local economy.

If successful, the geopark brand will use the geological heritage of the three areas to develop sustainable tourism that generates economic benefits, while providing recreational opportunities and increased awareness of the area’s natural assets, working with landowners, businesses and communities.

Typical activities in a global geopark include the development of walking and cycling trails, the training of local people to act as guides, provision of information signage and the development of visitor centres. 

The ultimate aim of a geopark is to enhance the economy and develop employment opportunities for the people who live there, but the global brand does not impose any restrictions on farming practices, planning or development. 

Council officials say securing geopark status is primarily about environmental sustainability and, at the same time, trying to increase economic revenue in a part of the world already revered for its stunning beauty. 

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. But they are not just about geology and include sites that are of interest for their history, archaeology, biodiversity, folklore, cultural and local heritage.

Securing the prestigious designation is one of the key planks of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s tourism strategy, with work on the designation application starting well over 18 months ago.

All those involved in compiling the UNESCO designation are confident that it has the potential to deliver high quality tourism in the area, increasing the number of international visitors in particular.

While there is a significant financial benefit for securing geopark status, council officials insist the benefits are not just economic.

They argue geoparks have a significant role to play in empowering local communities and giving them the opportunities to develop cohesive partnerships with the common goal of promoting the area’s significant geological and other heritage.

Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of sustainable development, education and protection. 

There are currently 127 geoparks found in 35 countries across the world, all of which have been developed using a bottom-up approach with local communities playing a significant role in this process.

Currently, there are three designated geoparks in Ireland, centred on the Marble Arch Caves in Fermanagh, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare and the Copper Coast geopark in Co Waterford.

A Newry, Mourne and Down Council spokeswoman confirmed on Monday that as part of an ongoing process, the application for UNESCO geopark status for the Mournes, Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough will be submitted this month.