Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark is now one of 120 such sites across the globe and sits alongside the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site as the second of only two UNESCO designated sites in Northern Ireland. The status is awarded in recognition of an area’s internationally important rocks and landscapes and how they are used for sustainable tourism.
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell said: “I welcome this historic announcement of UNESCO Global Geoparks, the first new programme in UNESCO for over 40 years. Here in Northern Ireland we are fortunate to have some of the most diverse rocks and landscapes on Earth. It is these foundations that have given rise to our most iconic tourist attractions such as the Giants Causeway World Heritage site and of course the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark here in Fermanagh. I am certain the new designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark will help to act as a catalyst for increasing our tourism revenue, using the world-renowned UNESCO brand as a mechanism for sharing our wonderful natural landscapes with the world. There are currently nine UNESCO Global Geoparks in the UK and Ireland and each has seen the benefits that such a designation can bring, with increased visitor numbers and tourism revenue. A visit to a UNESCO Global Geopark is a guarantee to a visitor that they will experience some of the most stunning and internationally significant natural assets that any destination has to offer.
“This is a significant achievement and I would like to congratulate the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) who have worked in close partnership with the team at the Marble Arch Caves to secure this award, which will make a substantial contribution to our tourism offering.”
Finance Minister Arlene Foster added: “This award is a fitting recognition of the spectacular Marble Arch Caves, which we in County Fermanagh are so fortunate to have on our doorstep. The new status of the caves reinforces Fermanagh as an international tourist destination and will no doubt provide a boost to the local economy, as well as the wider economy of Northern Ireland.
“I would like to offer my congratulations to all those involved in this tremendous achievement.”
Richard Watson, Manager of the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark said; “This historic announcement is a testament to the high regard that is placed on Global Geoparks by UNESCO. Their success has already been seen across the world, including at Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark. Our new status will help to further cement our place on the global tourism stage and will allow us to further develop what we have for a new and expanding audience.”
