Council Continuing to Work Towards Geopark Status

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is continuing its programme of engagement on achieving UNESCO Global Geopark status in Mourne, Ring of Gullion and Strangford with a workshop held on Friday, 12 October.

Securing UNESCO Global Geopark status was identified as a catalyst project to support tourism growth in the Council’s Tourism Strategy and would be granted in recognition of the internationally significant geology of the region.

For the past year the Council have been implementing a comprehensive communication plan to raise awareness of key facts around UNESCO Global Geopark and the plans for the district.

Speaking on the Council’s multi-stakeholder workshop regarding plans for the Aspiring UNESCO Geopark status, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “This workshop was organised by the Council in partnership with Geological Survey of Northern Ireland. It was an opportunity to engage a range of stakeholders including local community, tourism, government, education and environment sectors to discuss the benefits that Geopark status will bring to our area.

“The workshop, and the other workshops that will be delivered over the next few months, will be instrumental in informing on-going communication and priorities for the development of the UNESCO Global Geopark Project.”

The Council will continue engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and the local community. The ongoing engagement reinforces the message that Geopark status does not impose any restrictions on planning, development or farming practices, whilst actively encouraging local community and various sectors to consider how they can get involved and benefit from UNESCO Geopark status.

For further information on upcoming events follow Facebook on Geotourism in Mourne, Gullion and Strangford. For specific queries please contact: geopark@nmandd.org