Geopark status for the Burren

THE Burren and Cliffs of Moher region of North Clare has been awarded the prestigious designation of membership of the UNESCO-supported Global Geopark network at the 10th European Geoparks Conference in Langesund, Norway.
The Burren now becomes part of a unique group of world locations that form part of the Global Network of National Geoparks. The award is the culmination of a long application process that was coordinated by Clare County Council through the Burren Connect project, with the support of the Geological Survey of Ireland and Shannon Development. There are currently 78 Geoparks in 26 countries worldwide.
Accepting the award, Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Hayes said, “As part of this UNESCO-supported initiative, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher region now enjoy global recognition for this unique landscape. Global Geopark status is in recognition of the established network of specific sites of geological interest, a group of environmentally-conscious tourism businesses and a busy annual calendar of community-based events and activities. I want to congratulate everyone involved in achieving such a standard and Clare County Council looks forward to working with all parties on the further delivery of the Geopark programme.”
Global Geopark status is not a legislative designation. Under the Geopark Network Charter, each member must respect and adhere to local and national laws pertaining to conservation, planning, land management and access to private property.
“Global Geopark status does not create a national park or nature park and does not permit open access to private property or land. It is the role of a Geopark to encourage visitors and communities to experience geology at publicly accessible sites and trails, where maintenance and access can be managed,” continued Councillor Hayes.
While the award has been granted to the Burren region, the actual components of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark are confined to specific public sites of geological and cultural interest, a network of visitor and education centres, the Burren Ecotourism Network businesses and established walking routes, such as the Burren Way and Burren looped walks.
Dr Pat O’Connor, acting director of the Geological Survey of Ireland, commented, “The Geoparks network was established to help support local communities to sustainably develop their local economy through the promotion of geological heritage and the encouragement of eco-tourism initiatives. The Geopark award is granted to regions that have an internationally important geological landscape but the award is not based solely on geology. As a member of the Global Geopark Network, the challenge now will be to further promote the Burren’s geological heritage among local communities and visitors and to help to raise an awareness of this outstanding landscape so as to maintain this designation into the future.”
The involvement of many local visitor and education centres, businesses, schools and communities proved to be an essential contributory factor in achieving the designation. Since 2008, Geopark meetings and events have been held throughout North Clare to communicate the concept of a Geopark.
Vincent Cunnane, chief executive, Shannon Development said, “The Burren is recognised throughout the world as an iconic landscape of outstanding geology and breathtaking coastal scenery. North Clare is famous for traditional music, dancing, match-making, Gaelic games, food, art and literature. Integral to all of this is a thriving natural and cultural landscape that is difficult to find anywhere else in the world. Shannon Development is very pleased to have worked on this initiative and be part of the group that achieved this global recognition. This award now gives a platform for the further development of eco-tourism businesses and other initiatives in the area.”
Joanne McInerney, manager of the Burren Outdoor Education Centre and chair of the Burren Ecotourism Network, said, “A Global Geopark must also support education programmes, such as the geology evening course held in spring of 2010 and 2011 in the Burren Outdoor Education Centre. We look forward to continue to play our part in increasing awareness of the important landscape of the Burren. The Geopark project is organising a Geo-Explorer Day in collaboration with the Burren Outdoor Education Centre on Saturday, October 15. The day’s events will include introductory caving, geo-kayaking, hill-walking and a family beach exploration.”
Fine Gael Clare Senator, Martin Conway has expressed his delight at the announcement that the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren region have been granted UNESCO Global Geopark status, describing it as a major boost for the county.
“The Geoparks network was established to protect and promote environmentally important sites through a combination of conservation, sustainable development and community involvement. This global honour will further increase the tourism potential of County Clare and indeed the entire west coast region,” he stated.
Senator Conway acknowledged all those involved in farming and tourism in the North Clare region for their daily effort to ensure the region is one of the most beautiful in the world.
“A conservation project operated by farmers in the Burren helps greatly to protect the natural beauty of the area. The project, which has won international awards, means that local farmers protect the unique environment of the area while going about their daily work. This recognition is long overdue and I am very hopeful that it will bring some more luck to the Cliffs of Moher in its bid to become one of the Seven Wonders of Nature, the result of which will be known later this year,” Senator Conway concluded.
Councillor Michael Kelly, chair of the North Clare area committee, also praised the work of those who worked to achieve the coveted designation for the Burren.
“To get a national award is so difficult but the level of competition for global awards is huge. It cannot be stressed enough the importance of this prestigious designation, both from an environmental and tourist viewpoint. This award will showcase all that is good in the greater Burren region. We, as councillors, have been categorically assured that this designation will not restrict planning or development in the North Clare area. It is vitally important that the landowners who are the main stakeholders share in the benefits. This submission, which is a credit to the people who presented, it has cost quite a lot of money, money well spent,” he stated.
Councillor Kelly believes the designation will result in “thousands” of additional visitors to the Burren each year.
“The important factor now that the spotlight of the world is on the Burren is that Clare County Council invests in the maintenance of roads and hedges. A well-presented Burren infrastructure will confirm why we received this award and will have very positive benefits for tourism and businesses in the greater Burren area,” he concluded.