Council partners in new Cross-Border Network
Cavan County Council and Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark has partnered with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Mourne, Gullion, Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark on an innovative all-island partnership connecting UNESCO-designated sites across Ireland for the first time.
Lead partner Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has secured 100% funding through the PEACEPLUS Change Makers Programme for the UNESCO Together Project, which will be delivered over the next two years.
The initiative will establish a cross-border network linking UNESCO Global Geoparks, World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves and Creative Cities across the island of Ireland, strengthening colla boration through shared landscapes, heritage and identity.
Supported by the UK National Commission to UNESCO and the National Commission of Ireland for UNESCO, the project positions the partner organisations at the forefront of UNESCO collaboration, with a strong focus on peacebuilding, reconciliation, youth engagement and the promotion of shared natural and cultural heritage. It also directly supports wider objectives around community cohesion and meaningful cross-border connections.
Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr Carmel Brady said: “UNESCO Together is an important and practical example of how cross-border collaboration can deliver meaningful benefits for our communities. This partnership brings together some of the islands most significant UNESCO designations and for us our UNESCO Global Geopark, to strengthen cooperation, share knowledge and promote ou r rich natural and cultural heritage in a way that benefits people across the region.”
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, as a driver of sustainable tourism, education, cultural identity and community development.
The emerging network will involve all 14 UNESCO sites on the island of Ireland, along with six Tentative UNESCO sites, creating new cross-border links through workshops, community exchanges, creative residencies, environmental action activities and cultural storytelling programmes.
Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Eoin Doyle added: “Cavan County Council, through Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, has a long-established record of cross-border partnership working and we are delighted to bring that knowledge and expertise to this all-island project. We look forward to seeing communities, schools and organisations take part in the wide range of activities over the next two years.”
Over the course of the project, UNESCO Together will deliver more than 650 participations in cross-border activities, including in-person workshops, community events at UNESCO sites and online exchanges.
Creative programmes will also celebrate UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage, including Irish harping, uilleann piping, hurling, falconry and dry stone walling.
Gráinne O’Connor, Manager of Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark noted “As the first cross-border Geopark in the world, we understand the value and positive benefits of collaboration and partnership working in delivering real and practical outcomes for our communities. We are delighted to partner with Mourne, Gullion, Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark and the many partners across the island to recognise, connect and celebrate the depth of culture, heritage and geology we share across our UNESCO sites.”