Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark
28th October 2008

Geoparks are areas of significant geological heritage that represents the basis for sustainable tourism. Both European and Global Geoparks designations are supported by UNESCO.

The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) wish to contribute to the future development of Geoparks as a major tourism resource in Ireland and Northern Ireland. To this end, they have jointly established the "Geoparks Ireland Committee" as an all-island committee which will apply the highest standards of geoscience in assisting stakeholders to build the Geoparks brand throughout the island of Ireland.

A first forum was held in February 2008 in GSI-Dublin, to which established European Geoparks Marble Arch Caves and Copper Coast along with aspiring Geoparks such as Kerry, the Burren and Cooley-Mourne-Gullion participated and shared experiences and goals.

The second meeting will be held in Marble Arch Caves, Co. Fermanagh - recently extended to Cavan, becoming consequently the first International Geopark. The programme of the day will consist of update presentations from Geoparks across Ireland (established or aspiring) in the morning, followed by lunch and the visit of the caves.

If you are interested in attending and haven't received the information yet through our mailing list, please contact Sophie Preteseille in GSI at 01 678 2741 or by email at sophie.preteseille@gsi.ie

The meeting is open to anybody with an interest in Geoparks and geotourism in Ireland. It is free of charge but registration is necessary.

The detailed programme will be posted shortly.