Joyce Country & Western Lakes Geopark Project
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TIONSCADAL GEOPHÁIRC Dhúiche Sheoigheach STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR & Lochanna an Iarthair JOYCE COUNTRY & WESTERN LAKES GEOPARK PROJECT TOURISM DEVELOPMENT Joyce Country & Western Lakes Geopark Project Facilitated by TINA O’DWYER THE TOURISM SPACE 2020-2025 30th November 2020 www.joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie www.joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie SECTION 1 Introduction & What is a UNESCO Global Geopark? Overview A UNESCO Global Geopark is a place where outstanding geological heritage is used to support sustainable An application process for UNESCO Global development through conservation, education, interpretation and sustainable tourism. Geopark status for the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark region is currently underway, with the aim of achieving the GEOPARKS IN THE WORLD THE JOYCE designation in 2023. The application is based COUNTRY & on the geology of international importance The first Geoparks were WESTERN LAKES found in the region, with the complete rock ratified in 2004 –17 in Europe GEOPARK PROJECT record of the opening and closing of the and 8 in China. Iapetus Ocean, the world famous Connemara The Project is the 2015 was a milestone year Marble, the only fjord in Ireland at Killary, culmination of a for Geoparks when the 195 community-led, volunteer one of the fastest flowing spring complexes member states of UNESCO initiative that started in in the world at Cong, and Lough Carra as one ratified the creation of a new 2010. of the most significant marl lakes in Europe. label: the UNESCO Global Geopark. The Project formally got underway in January Since July 2020, there are 161 2020, thanks primarily UNESCO Global Geoparks in to funding through the OUR MISSION 44 countries around the world. Rural Regeneration and Through achievement of UNESCO Development Fund and GEOPARKS IN IRELAND Global Geopark status for the Joyce further funding support Country and Western Lakes region, the There are currently 3 UNESCO from a multi-agency communities, businesses and education Global Geoparks on the Island partnership. providers in the area will be empowered of Ireland: the cross-border to better inform about its attractions, Marble Arch Cave in counties With 3 full-time and 1 promote the use of the Irish language Cavan and Fermanagh, Burren part-time staff, the key and draw more visitors to experience & Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare aim of The Project is to in a sustainable way its rich geological, and Copper Coast in Co. put in place resources historical and cultural features, resulting Waterford. Besides Joyce and structures to in more confident and resilient local Country & Western Lakes, there achieve UNESCO Global communities, enterprise and jobs. is one other Aspiring Geopark Geopark Status. in Mourne Gullion Strangford in counties Down and Armagh. www.joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie 1 Snapshot of the aspiring geopark 1 The Joyce Country and Western Lakes aspiring The population of over 18900 is spread across geopark currently includes the area surrounding 15 villages and three towns in an area covering Joyce Country on the Galway-Mayo border of around 1500km2. There are 27 national and towns and villages both sides of Loughs schools and 5 secondary schools, plus an Mask, Carra and about half of the Corrib. outdoor education and training centre. A map Other smaller lakes include Loughs Inagh, of the Fáilte Ireland-registered businesses in the Derryclare, Glendollagh and Nafooey plus region can be found in Appendix 1. numerous localised lakes. The Partry Mountains, Maumtrasna and the Maumturks are the “The population of over 18900 is spread standout mountain ranges. The area touches the Wild Atlantic Way at Leenane. Around half of the across 15 villages and three towns in an region is Gaeltacht. area covering of around 1500km2” ADDITIONALITY Should the project successfully achieve UNESCO Global Geopark Status, it would confer the following additional and complementary benefits to the existing tourism offering in the region: A UNESCO designation within Co Mayo and Co Galway. A strong new dimension for the Gaeltacht and the Irish language through the global UNESCO designation, with a geo-based offering appealing to learners and tourists that can be experienced in Irish as well as English. A community-led, community-focused approach to tourism development that can act as a flagship sustainable and regenerative project for the region. A beacon of thought and action leadership in the area of climate change education and adaptation. The border indicated on this map serves to illustrate the general geography of the aspirant Geopark, and will be subject to discussion and consultation over the coming years as part of the Geopark Status Application Process. 2 www.joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie www.joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie 3 SECTION 2 VISION 2020 - 2025 Achieving UNESCO Global Geopark designation for the Joyce Country & Western Lakes region is the foundation stone of our vision to 2025. The process of achieving and maintaining the Geopark designation is a connector and motivator for all stakeholders. Once achieved, it stimulates and leverages further sustainable development. This page shares what success looks like for The Geopark Project in 2025. This vision is built on commitment to community, education, conservation and sustainable tourism. INTERNATIONALLY effective working relationships are Goals. We raise awareness of COMMUNITY identities and their collective RECOGNIZED a positive legacy of that Geopark the potential impact of climate identity and there is a tangibly DESTINATION OF status application process. change on the region, and provide Communities led the initiative to strong sense of pride of place DISTINCTION local communities, businesses establish our Geopark and we have amongst those who live and work in LEADERSHIP IN and visitors with information and provided inclusive frameworks for The Geopark region. Our region is part of a select SUSTAINABLE ideas to mitigate and adapt to its connecting communities across the network of special destinations region. Thanks to the educational DEVELOPMENT & potential effects, harmonised with BUSINESS around the world that have SUSTAINABLE LIVING other environmental sustainability events and resources created, achieved UNESCO Global Geopark initiatives. We empower people our communities are proud of the We recognize the value of status as a testament to our Our Geopark plays an active role to live, work and visit in a way UNESCO Global Geopark status, sustainable and profitable outstanding geological heritage. in facilitating progress within that honours and conserves the value what it stands for and know businesses in supporting and Key stakeholders at community and our counties and on the island environment in this very special why their place is worthy of this enhancing our communities institutional levels came together to of Ireland towards achieving the place for current and future designation. Communities have and our region. Tourism is one achieve this outcome, and strong, 2030 Sustainable Development generations. strengthened both their individual of our primary industries and is 4 www.joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie characterized now by a diverse range of providers who enjoy a longer season that enables year-round opening. Other businesses in the region benefit from increased footfall and activity through tourism. Members of the Geopark Tourism Business Network amplifies their positive social and economic contributions and enthusiastically explores ways to reduce any potential negative ecological impacts that may arise. LANGUAGE & CULTURE The Irish language and Gaeltacht culture is celebrated, and is a defining and differentiating characteristic of our Geopark. They are a living and natural part of our day-to-day lives, are integrated into our visitor experiences and are reflected daily in our engagement with locals and other stakeholders. GEOPARK EXPERIENCE We have excelled at creating visitor experiences that truly reflect our place and culture and the values of the Geopark. A range of flagship experiences are built on our key differentiators of language, culture, ethos, community and ecology. Our experiences are designed to connect visitors and locals alike, and to give our visitors a deeper understanding of local geology, the environment and their influence on the people living here. www.joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie 5 SECTION 3 OPPORTUNITIES is uniquely positioned to avail of. Development of ‘turning-point Swot analysis of Develop food/drinks tourism and infrastructure’ including digital Strengthening of the Irish Language & agritourism as an expression of information panels, signage, (satellite) Gaeltacht culture. Geopark heritage and culture. visitor centres, walking and cycling trails, tourism in the geopark Become an exemplar of sustainable Develop visitor experiences that greenways, etc. tourism and community-led tourism are built upon the Irish language Development of stand-out events within Galway, Mayo and the country. and Gaeltacht culture e.g. sean-nos promoting the geopark including STRENGTHS agencies to date: Geological Survey Capitalise on emerging visitor demand dancing and singing, language festivals & commemorations. Ireland, Galway County Council, Mayo for places of escape and retreat and immersion, storytelling and integration Proximity to ‘hook’ experiences such as Kylemore Abbey, Mayo Dark Sky Park Geology of international significance. County Council, Údarás na Gaeltachta, opportunities to connect with nature across other activities