The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, home to some of the world’s most spectacular and geologically significant landscapes, has been awarded UNESCO Global Geopark status.
Some of the scenery in the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark
The decision, announced by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation) General Conference in Paris will see the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark become Northern Ireland’s second only UNESCO supported location alongside the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site and puts it on a par with other UNESCO sites in Ireland such as the prehistoric monuments at Newgrange.
UNESCO Global Geopark status is awarded to areas with internationally important geological heritage that also have a sustainable tourism strategy so that they benefit the local and regional economy.
The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, which straddles counties Fermanagh and Cavan, became the world’s first cross border Geopark in 2008. It is jointly managed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council.
Councillor Alex Baird, Chairman of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark Joint Operational Management Committee, said: “This level of support is rarely awarded as the last time that UNESCO created a similar programme was back in 1972 when the very successful World Heritage programme was established. This means that our own Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, here in Fermanagh and Cavan, is now rightly ranked alongside some of the most stunning places in the World.
“The UNESCO announcement firmly establishes our Global Geopark as a must see attraction on a par with other world famous UNESCO sites. We very much look forward to promoting this highly respected and desirable status to locals and tourists alike and harnessing its potential to benefit our local economy.”
The Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, said: “The UNESCO announcement will add significantly to the unrivalled reputation which the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark already enjoys worldwide and I am confident that increased tourism footfall will reap an increase in economic benefits for the area.”
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell said: “Here in Northern Ireland we are fortunate to have some of the most diverse rocks and landscapes on earth. It is these foundations that have given rise to our most iconic tourist attractions such as the Giants Causeway and of course the MarbleArchCaves.”
The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark is established across almost 20,000 hectares of public land in counties Fermanagh and Cavan and home to a fascinating variety of geology, natural landscapes and historic relics.
(Source – Impartial Reporter – Brian Donaldson – 18/11/2015)