The Geoheritage Programme has responsibility for the protection and promotion of sites of geological importance. We identify sites as County Geological Sites for inclusion in County Development and Heritage Plans. County Audits are carried out in partnership with the Heritage Council and local authorities and the most significant County Geological Sites are recommended to the National Parks and Wildlife Service for potential future designation as Natural Heritage Areas. We work with local authorities and community groups on the development of Geotourism products and in particular on the establishment and support of UNESCO Global Geoparks.