Geoparks are not just about geology, the community is at the heart of every Geopark. UNESCO Global Geoparks have a requirement to explore and celebrate the links between our communities and the landscapes in which they live and work. It is also about simply engaging with people and respecting their way of life in a way that empowers and connects them. Local knowledge and history is vital to the success of any Geopark. Our understanding of the landscape is bound up with how the land has been used over time, how it has evolved, and the stories often hidden within it. When the stories of the landscape are shared, our appreciation of it, our pride in the area, and our desire to look after it can be dramatically increased. Geopark’s are not only fostering a sense of community ownership, but stewardship of the landscape and heritage – both tangible and intangible – within which can act as a force for future conservation.
As a Geopark village, the people who reside here along with their history, folklore, stories, and legends are all important to the success of the Geopark. Although Geoparks are defined as being areas of outstanding natural Geological significance, an approach based purely on science can miss a vital element in the area’s long-term conservation and risks the disengagement of local communities. It is the imprint of local people’s lives – past, present, and future – that give the landscape its special character. This imprint is what the Geopark hopes to capture by working with local communities and the roll out of the Geopark Villages programme. We can build capacity within the community to take the lead on conserving and celebrating their natural and cultural heritage.
Another key aim of the Geopark villages programme is to further the development of Geo-tourism. Even if the area has outstanding geological heritage, it cannot be designated an UNESCO Global Geopark unless there is also a plan for the sustainable development of the people who live there. Geo-tourism could for example, develop walking or cycling trails, training of local people to act as Geopark Guides, supporting local businesses through our Sustainability Business Training Programme to become part of our Geopark business network, and much more. Geoparks promote holistic experiences of nature combining leisure, enjoyment, and adventure with education on Geo-heritage and Geoscience. Additionally, Geopark villages benefit from opportunities linked with the Geopark, including products (souvenirs, handcrafts, etc.), services (accommodation providers, food services, etc.) and recreational activities (tours, events, etc.) These products, services and activities stimulate the local economy, providing new jobs and additional sources of income for residents.
The implementation of Geopark Village signage is an important step in the recognition of a Geopark Village such as Belleek. This signage signifies an area where the community are involved in the shared heritage values of the Geopark, and an area where the community are proud to live.
Contributor Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark