Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark moves one step closer to UNESCO Global Geopark Status

JOYCE Country and Western Lakes (JCWL) Geopark has moved one step closer to become the geopark in Connacht to gain UNESCO World Heritage status.

The geopark has received a deferral - which is quite common with new applicants – after getting feedback from UNESCO evaluators’ following their in-depth tour of the region this summer.

The geopark must now follow up on a range of recommendations and report back to UNESCO next year with an update.

Gaining UNESCO Global Geopark status has the potential to energise 20 communities in north Galway and southwest Mayo by supporting local enterprise and jobs.

The villages of Ballintubber, Partry, Tourmakeady, Finny, Leenane, Recess, Maam, Maam Cross, Kilmilkin, Clochbhreac, Cornamona, Oughterard, Cong, Clonbur and The Neale are all included in the geopark area, as well as all of Loughs Carra and Mask, and around half of Lough Corrib.

There are currently 170 geoparks with World Heritage Status in 44 different countries.

Of these, the three located in Ireland include The Burren and Cliffs of Moher; the Copper Coast in Waterford and The Marble Arches Caves in Fermanagh.

The assessment process for JCWL began in spring 2023 and could see the geopark awarded UNESCO status by autumn 2024.

A desktop review concluded the JCWL area has the most complex geology in Ireland, with geological links with Scotland, Norway and the east coast of North America.

Besides reviewing the geological heritage, the French and Spanish UNESCO evaluators also observed: a rich local cultural heritage; strong opportunities for development of sustainable tourism and employment, along with broad-based education and learning; a solid governance and management structure, with a professional multi-disciplinary staff; and a strong grass-roots connection with the Geopark communities and local business.

Their feedback recommended the instillation of more signage, a stakeholder-led education programme, more long-term funding and to reinforce the strong role of women in the geopark.