Aspiring Niagara Geopark

Geoparks

Niagara Geopark Chair visits Irish Geoparks: Uniting for a Sustainable Future

Earlier this summer my wife Shari and I had the great pleasure to spend a couple of weeks touring around Ireland and Northern Ireland. As everyone who has gone there knows, it is a magical place, full of awesome landscapes, delicious food and drink and some of the friendliest folks anywhere. But for us the best parts were experiencing each of Ireland’s three UNESCO Global Geoparks: the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, Copper Coast Geopark, and Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark and in meeting the dedicated locals that have made each such wonderful places to visit.

We were able to establish meaningful connections with our hosts. They welcomed us as friends and colleagues, they introduced us to members of their team, they showed us how they operate, and they toured us around their wonderful corner of the world.

For instance, during our visit to the Burren Geopark, Carol Gleeson, the Geopark’s friendly long-time manager, explained in detail how their Ecotourism Network works and how it serves as a platform connecting businesses, communities, and visitors, and how it fosters collaboration and environmental stewardship. A couple of years ago, we learned about the Burren Ecotourism Network through their website and it was the inspiration for our own Niagara Geopark Network. Now, in person, we gained a better understanding of its purpose, foundations and principles and it further inspired us to consider implementing similar strategies in Niagara.

UNESCO Global Geoparks all around the world are substantially grass roots initiatives – getting their strength from the communities within each. So it takes time to mature and flourish. Well, it is clear that, like the Burren, the other two geoparks have been at this for years: Interesting visitor centre displays, fantastic interpretive boards and wayfinding signs that are crisp and professional have given us lots of ideas as we build out our own Niagara Geopark

As we move forward, the Niagara Geopark will actively seek opportunities to connect with more Geoparks to enhance our understanding, nurture innovation, and ultimately provide the best possible experiences for visitors, while safeguarding the geological heritage and ecological integrity of our region.

In the end, our journey is not a solitary one. It is a collective endeavor that unites Geoparks worldwide in a shared commitment to education, conservation, and sustainable tourism. Together, we will create a future where Geoparks stand as beacons of environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and authentic, natural experiences for generations to come.

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