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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has secured full funding for a new project connecting UNESCO-designated sites throughout Ireland for the first time. It comes as a new video showcasing the Mourne Gullion Strangford Global Geopark and the north's other UNESCO sites was premiered at Stormont.
The Council and the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark are at the centre of the new all-island partnership, known as "UNESCO Together". The Council has secured 100% funding through the PEACEPLUS Change Makers Programme (Investment Area 6.2) for the project, which will be delivered over the next two years and will establish a cross-border network linking UNESCO Global Geoparks, World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves and Creative Cities throughout Ireland.
The project will see the Council and Mourne Gullion Strangford Global Geopark act as a lead partner in UNESCO collaboration, with a strong focus on peacebuilding, reconciliation, youth engagement and shared natural and cultural heritage. It also supports wider objectives around community cohesion and people-to-people connection. UNESCO Together will develop an all-island strategic roadmap for long-term cooperation between UNESCO sites, including exploring future initiatives such as a UNESCO Tourism Trail highlighting World Heritage Sites and Global Geoparks as drivers of sustainable tourism, education, cultural identity and community development.
The Council is the lead partner on the project, responsible for overall coordination, governance, financial management and communications. It is being delivered in partnership with Cavan County Council and Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark.
Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna, said the new video raised the profile of the Geopark at every level. Cllr Hanna said: "The new video raises not only the significance of Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark locally, but regionally and nationally.
"Our geopark brings together geology, nature, culture and living communities across a diverse area of mountains, lowlands, coast and sea. As part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks programme, Mourne Gullion Strangford recognises internationally important geology while supporting education, conservation and sustainable development at a local level."
The "Our Special Places" video was premiered at Stormont before an audience of MLAs, local councillors and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council representatives. It showcases the north's internationally recognised UNESCO destinations, introducing all five designations: Mourne Gullion Strangford Global Geopark, Giant's Causeway World Heritage Site, Belfast City of Music, Cuilcagh Lakelands Global Geopark and Moravian Church Settlements - Gracehill World Heritage Site. Alongside the main video, five shorter films highlight the unique character, global significance and local relevance of each site, showcasing both their international standing and the partnerships and local pride behind them.
Funding for the video was provided through the UK National Commission for UNESCO's (UKNC) Local to Global 2.0 Community Grants Scheme, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players. Six grants of £10,000 were awarded throughout the UK to collaborative projects within UNESCO regional clusters.
The Stormont event also gave elected representatives the opportunity to learn more about UNESCO and the work of the UK National Commission for UNESCO in Northern Ireland from James Bridge, Chief Executive and Secretary General of UKNC, and Keira Brown, Local to Global Programme Coordinator. A panel discussion featuring representatives from Northern Ireland's UNESCO sites explored the diversity, value and impact of the designations, while also highlighting opportunities for future UNESCO recognition throughout the region. Discussions focused on the role UNESCO sites play in protecting and promoting Northern Ireland's heritage, supporting local communities, encouraging sustainable tourism and enhancing the region's profile on the global stage.
James Bridge, Chief Executive and Secretary General of UKNC, said: "The 'Our Special Places' project is a wonderful celebration of Northern Ireland's UNESCO sites, showing how they work together to celebrate and share the stories that make their communities unique and of global interest. Through this collaboration, Northen Ireland's UNESCO sites created a resource that highlights its extraordinary cultural and natural heritage, while demonstrating the benefits that UNESCO recognition can bring to local people.
"We are delighted in this year of celebrations for the 80th anniversary of UNESCO's founding in 1945, that the Local to Global programme has supported this partnership and helped strengthen connections throughout Northern Ireland's UNESCO network.
"By raising awareness of these internationally significant places, the project will inspire greater understanding, pride and engagement, while showcasing Northern Ireland's contribution to UNESCO's global mission of protecting heritage, fostering creativity and supporting sustainable development."
The main "Our Special Places" video can be viewed at Our Special Places | Northern Ireland's UNESCO Sites, while the film dedicated to Mourne Gullion Strangford is available at Our Special Places | Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark.
