Foster welcomes first transnational European Geopark

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster today welcomed the expansion of the Marble Arch Caves Geopark into County Cavan, making it the first transnational European Geopark.

Geoparks are areas of internationally significant geological heritage which are used by the local community to promote economic development through high quality, sustainable tourism and scientific research.

They are supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and are separate from the World Heritage List.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster welcomed the expansion of the Marble Arch Caves Geopark as she addressed a 100-strong audience in the Slieve Russell Hotel.

The minister said: “Today’s expansion announcement places the Marble Arch Caves firmly on the map as the first transnational Geopark in the world.

“Geoparks are territories where the Earth’s geological heritage can be safeguarded and sustainably managed.

“It is important, however, that the success of a Geopark is achieved and enhanced through dedicated local community involvement. The strong commitment to develop and implement a management plan, which meets the economic needs of the local population, whilst protecting the landscape in which they live, is central to the Geopark ethos.

“Geoparks, which draw on geological history, are an excellent way to gain international recognition, both scientifically and from a tourism perspective, for locally or regionally important geological sites.

“Marble Arch Caves Geopark already attracts international visitors and makes and important contribution not only to the local economy but to the whole economy of Northern Ireland. Today’s announcement of the first transnational Geopark provides an opportunity to further develop it as an environmentally and economically sustainable tourism resource.”

Fermanagh and Cavan Councils have worked together for over two years to achieve the expansion of the Marble Arch Caves Geopark. The steering group, which oversaw this work was co-chaired by the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) and the Geological Survey of Ireland. In addition to the Marble Arch Caves, there are 37 UNESCO Geoparks across the world, five of which are in Britain and Ireland. It is expected that UNESCO will eventually designate up to 500 Geoparks globally.

Mr Brendan Smith TD, (Cavan-Monaghan) Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, was also in attendance at the event.

The speakers at the launch took the opportunity to explore the links between cultural heritage and tourism to sustain the economic development of Geoparks. They included: Professor Nickolas Zouros, European Geopark Network and International Advisor to UNESCO on Geoparks; Jack Keyes, Cavan County Manager; Cllr Charlie Boylan, Chairman of Cavan County Council; Cllr Thomas O Reilly, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council; and Brendan Smith, TD, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Notes to Editors

1. The GSNI acts as an advisor to UNESCO on both Geopark and World Heritage Site applications.
2. The event to mark the expansion of the Geopark was organised by Cavan County Council.
3. For further information on Northern Ireland's first international geopark in the world  visit the website
4. For media enquiries please contact the DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297 or 07866 847919. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned