Geopark roadshow attracts interest
Geologist Ben Thébaudeau (left) with callers to the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark road show.
Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark took to the road during Heritage Week 2024 to inform locals and visitors alike about the geological and cultural heritage of the area.
Armed with an intriguing collection of rocks, maps and flyers, Geopark Geologist Benjamin Thébaudeau led informal discussions and shared fascinating stories about how our amazing landscapes have been formed over 750 million years and how geological processes and human interaction have shaped this geopark region.
Thébaudeau made three stops on the roadshow: first at the Courthouse community facility in Oughterard, second at The Anglers Rest in Headford, and finally in the Ballinrobe SuperValu and Post Office car park. The aim of the roadshow was to inform and interact directly with people about how the JCWL Geopark will help the 20 communities in the area to grow local businesses, jobs and sustain and expand local services.
JCWL Geopark has made progress towards achieving UNESCO Global Geopark status since the external evaluation during summer 2023. JCWL Geopark claims to be on track to achieve the status in autumn 2025.
In order to achieve the UNESCO status, JCWL Geopark must strengthen in the following categories: visibility, education, long-term funding and networks of communities, business, education. Preparing to be erected are panels in geopark communities and visitor centers with information regarding geoparks and local heritage. Additionally, a strategic approach to learning for all through a stakeholder-led action plan is now finalized and will be launching in the upcoming months. Moreover, the JCWL assures increased links with the Global Geoparks Network of over 200 geoparks.
