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The theme of the forum this year is Geoparks and people working together; engagement between geoparks and their communities.

The forum will be opened by Koen Verbruggen, Director, Geological Survey Ireland and Dr Marie Cowen, Director, Geological Survey of Northern Ireland.

We will then hear updates on plans and projects from the three UNESCO Global Geoparks; Burren and Cliffs of Moher, Copper Coast and Cuilcagh Lakelands, and from the aspiring Geoparks; Antrim, Joyce Country & Western Lakes and Mourne Gullion.

A community representative from each of the UNESCO Global Geoparks will speak about their experience of working with their Geoparks;

 - Brid Fahy, farmer, entrepreneur, food producer, is the owner of Linalla Ice cream and a founding member and former chairperson of the Burren Ecotourism Network.

 - Barney Devine, Local Co-ordinator for the Cuilcagh and Slieve Anierin Project,  a project which involves a series of activities aimed at recognising and highlighting the valuable natural, built, historical and cultural heritage of this unique cross-border area.

 - Sean Corcoran, a renowned environmental artist whose distinctive sand art has been used in promotional campaigns across Ireland and aboard. He runs a gallery in the Copper Coast Geopark has been heavily involved in local development.

Guest speaker Neil Haran, a consultant with extensive social sector experience who has worked with the public service, education, not for-profit, and social policy sectors – both in Ireland and overseas, will provide insights into building and maintaining positive and mutually beneficial relationships between agencies and local communities.

To attend, please register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-unesco-global-geoparks-forum-2022-tickets-464318638547