26 May 2006

NI's Marble arch caves mark 'Geopark' week

Northern Ireland's unique landscape will be celebrated as part of European Geopark Week 2006, between May 29 and June 4.

A European Geopark is an area which has a particularly special natural landscape - it could be of great scientific value, or be particularly rare or especially beautiful.

A common element to all Geoparks is that they contribute to the local community.

They create jobs such as tour guides and conservation workers, and also generate a need for businesses such as restaurants, cafes and accommodation suppliers.

Marble Arch Caves in Co Fermanagh, will be the main focus of activities during European Geopark Week.

As Northern Ireland's only designated Geopark, Marble Arch Caves are organising a series of fun events which will focus on the importance of our natural resources, as well as the beauty and rich diversity of the Northern Ireland landscape.

Events such as fossil tours, exploring a 340 million-year old seabed, and making your own fossils, will help visitors to discover and learn more about our natural landscape, and will allow them to appreciate the store of natural wealth which surrounds us.

Geopark status not only helps to ensure that the breathtaking landscape around Marble Arch Caves is being conserved for future generations, but also ensures that landscape is being used responsibly by anyone that visits.

By doing this, the Geopark is able to give something back to the local community and protect one of our most precious natural resources.

(SP/EF)