Marble Arch Caves achieve European Geopark status

Sam Foster, the Minister for the Environment, said the new European Geopark designation for Fermanagh’s Marble Arch Caves and Cuilcagh Mountain is another step in conserving the natural heritage of Northern Ireland.

Visiting the Marble Arch Visitor Centre on Monday, Mr Foster congratulated Fermanagh District Council for this major achievement: "This is the first time that this important international designation has been awarded within the United Kingdom. I am confident that it will help promote their conservation and encourage sustainable use.

"Above ground is one of the most extensive and best preserved areas of blanket bog in Ireland. Below ground is an outstanding landscape of caves, underground rivers and karst features. Their conservation demands sensitive management. But thanks to the Council both are now accessible to the public and are important tourist attractions as well as educational facilities."

Mr Foster praised the staff at the Marble Arch Centre and commented that in his view this award acknowledged that it was recognised as a centre of excellence in the field of environmental management.

The European Geoparks Network has been set up by the European Commission in co-operation with UNESCO to protect and promote the geological heritage of Europe.

The initiative is designed to supplement UNESCO World Heritage Sites and recognises European sites that are of international importance for their geology, landscape and educational value.

At present there are 12 European Geoparks, and it is intended to restrict membership to sites of special quality and importance.

(SP)