Areas of outstanding natural beauty can benefit local economy - Foster

Northern Ireland’s areas of outstanding natural beauty are a unique feature which can bring significant social, economic and environmental benefits to the region.

That was the message from Tourism Minister Arlene Foster today, as she addressed the National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (NAAONB) 11th annual conference at the University of Ulster, Coleraine.

Entitled ‘Valuing the Environment: Diamonds in the Landscape’, the conference looked at ways to get best value from our AONBs. It was also an opportunity to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Causeway Coast AONB and the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site.

This was the first time that Northern Ireland had been chosen as the venue for the three-day event. Speaking on the final day of the conference, Arlene Foster said:

“It is testimony to Northern Ireland’s beautiful landscape and indeed our nine AONBs, that Coleraine was chosen, from a list of locations across the UK, to host this year’s National Association of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Conference.”

Highlighting the economic benefits of AONBs, the Minister said: “Research from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board shows that landscapes are one of the key reasons why visitors choose to come to Northern Ireland.

“AONBs therefore make an important contribution to the local economy and have an important social role to play for the communities who live and work in and around them. These landscapes are not isolated from industry with surrounding businesses benefitting from those visiting the areas. Tourism in the Mournes currently contributes some £72million to the local economies of Banbridge, Down and Newry and Mourne.

“I encourage government, tourism bodies, local councils and the private sector to work together and take the opportunities to grow sustainable tourism in and around AONBs. We must drive local industry to create thriving rural economies whilst promoting Northern Ireland as a must-see destination to the rest of the world.”

The conference was held over three days, and delegates were also taken on day trips to the Antrim Coast & Glens, Binevenagh, Causeway Coast, Lagan Valley, Mourne, Ring of Gullion, Sperrins and Strangford Lough Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Other speakers at the conference included Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, who spoke about sustainable tourism in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Talks were also given by Mike Taylor, Chief Executive of the National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Helen Philips, Chief Executive of Natural England and Fiona Reynolds, Chief Executive of the National Trust.

Notes to Editors:

1. The National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) is an independent organisation acting on behalf of AONBs and their partners to promote, conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the 47 areas designated as AONBs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Its membership is largely composed of representatives from local authorities whose boundaries include AONBs and who are concerned to improve their management and funding arrangements.
2. An area of outstanding natural beauty offers a precious landscape. Their distinctive character and natural beauty are so outstanding that it is in the nation’s best interests to safeguard them.
3. The delegate base at the conference was made up of AONB Officers, AONB Chairmen, AONB Project Officers, Local Authority Members and Officers who have an AONB in their authority, professionals involved in Protected Landscapes.
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