Mourne, Gullion and Strangford has been recommended for ratification as a prestigious UNESCO Global Geopark.
It follows Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s successful bid to have the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty recognised on the world stage after 10-years work.
To hold Geopark status, a region must have a geological heritage of international significance, but unlike UNESCO World Heritage sites there are no additional restrictions on planning, development or farming practices.
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The focus will instead be on using the area’s heritage to support sustainable economic development and tourism around the high granite peaks of the Mournes, dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Ring of Gullion and the rolling drumlins of Strangford Lough formed over millions of years.
The Global Geopark Council has approved the final submission for the area with its ratification expected at the UNESCO Executive Board meeting in Paris in May.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage said: “I look forward to the official announcement in May of UNESCO Global Geopark status for Mourne Gullion Strangford.
“The status of UNESCO Global Geopark immediately puts us on the world stage,” he added.
“While the announcement is a moment of pride for those involved in the Mourne Gullion Strangford aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark, it also signals the beginning of lots of work to ensure the award delivers what we need.
“The Geopark will support a more sustainable community and boost the local economy through conservation, education, interpretation and sustainable and regenerative tourism.”
Projects so far included Atlantic CultureScape which resulted in the launch of 16 new tourism offerings this summer and Dragons in the Hills which was about learning more about three native amphibians and reptiles - the common frog, common lizard and smooth newt.
“We have mapped their distribution and are encouraging land managers to create and connect important habitat features to increase the area suitable for them,” added Cllr Savage.
Up to May, he said the council is “planning widespread engagement events” to “reengage all communities in the project and remind people what the Geopark is (and isn’t), its benefits, and how they can get involved” as well as outlining their plans for the next four years.
Over 181,000 people live within the Mourne Gullion Strangford aUGG, a quarter of them in Newry city.
The coastal boundary also encompasses Marine Protected Areas including Murlough Bay, Strangford Lough and Carlingford Lough.
SDLP tourism spokesperson, Laura Devlin, praised the decade of hard work that led to the council’s successful bid.
She added: “This part of our district has now been recognised as an area of international geological value – deeply rooted in sustainability.
“This status will allow us to explore, develop and celebrate the links between that geological heritage and all other aspects of the area’s natural, cultural and intangible heritage... [and] encourage community involvement as local businesses and individuals join forces to provide a distinctive, authentic visitor experience.
“It will also Improve our local economy as the increased number of visitors to our area will stay and spend in our locality.”
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