Irish Geoparks gather for 10th anniversary event

Representatives of Ireland’s three UNESCO Global Geoparks were represented at the recent 10th annual meeting of the International Geosciences and Geoparks Programme (IGGP).

Geoparks are areas of exceptional geological significance that promote awareness of the earth’s geological heritage.

There are currently over 160 geoparks worldwide of which 75 are in Europe and 4 on the island of Ireland, namely The Copper Coast Global Geopark in Waterford, Cuilcagh Lakelands in Cavan and Fermanagh, Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark in Down, and The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark in Clare.

Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) also attended the anniversary event alongside Irish Ambassador to UNESCO and OECD, David Bruck, and the Irish Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Agathe Hutchinson.

A spokesperson for GSI said, “As part of the Irish UNESCO Global Geopark representatives at the 10th Anniversary of the International Geosciences and Geoparks Programme (IGGP), we were delighted to have an opportunity to discuss the role of UNESCO geoparks in Ireland and the visibility of the wider UNESCO designations together, along with sustainable tourism and geological heritage benefiting local communities through social and economic activity.”

The International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) serves as a knowledge hub of UNESCO to facilitate international scientific cooperation in the geosciences.