Geoparks Forum Ireland 19th February
The Forum is designed to provide support to both existing European Geoparks and those groups who aspire to achieve such status in the future based on their geoheritage assets. For details of the updated agenda, please see PDF.
Currently there are two UNESCO approved Geoparks in Ireland at the Copper Coast in Waterford and at Marble Arch Caves in Fermanagh. The Geoparks are a focus of geoscience outreach activities throughout the year and play a key role in communicating and promoting geology to the wider public.
The Marble Arch Caves Geopark was extended to other sites in Fermanagh in 2007 following an evaluation by the European Geoparks Network on behalf of UNESCO. A further phase of expansion across the border into County Cavan is underway at present to deliver the first trans-national Geopark in Europe.
There are other groups actively pursuing European Geopark status (e.g. in Clare, Kerry, Louth, Down and Armagh). Recognising these initiatives the two Geological Surveys are hosting the first Geoparks Forum Ireland at GSI, Beggars Bush, Haddington Road, Dublin 4 commencing at 2pm on Tuesday 19 February 2008.
The forum is open to anyone with an interest in Geoparks, geotourism and/or trying to set up a Geopark in their area. To register your interest, please contact Sophie Préteseille at 01-6782741.