THREE areas of geological importance in Ireland have newly been announced as UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Following a vote in Paris on Tuesday, November 17, geoparks including the Copper Coast in Co. Waterford, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare, and the Marble Arch Caves in Co. Fermanagh, which stretches across the border into Co. Cavan, were awarded equal status to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ireland include Newgrange in Co. Meath, Skellig Michael in Co. Kerry, and the Giant’s Causeway in Co. Antrim.
The new statuses for the geoparks were confirmed at the UNESCO general conference in Paris.
“These are areas where the memories of our planet are written, but they are also living areas with vibrant communities and strategies to promote sustainable economic development,” UNESCO Professor Patrick McKeever said.
“The Copper Coast is probably the best example of a geopark in the global network that started with a small group of enthusiasts, and little else, and built this into the internationally recognised entity it is today.”
UNESCO Global Geoparks are described as “single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.”
This article was amended on November 18, stating that the Marble Arch Caves in Co. Fermanagh also stretch across the border into Co. Cavan.
