Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark Launches Strategic Framework for 2025–2033

The Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark has today unveiled its new Strategic Framework, an important initiative which sets out the vision and direction for the Geopark for the coming decade. The Framework is comprised of three interlinked documents: the Strategy 2025–2033, the Management Plan 2025–2029, and the Action Plan 2025–2029. Together, these provide a comprehensive roadmap for conservation, community engagement, education, and sustainable development across one of Northern Ireland’s most treasured landscapes.

The Strategy 2025–2033 articulates the long-term vision for the Geopark, embedding the principle that people, place and nature must be protected, promoted and revered. The Management Plan sets out the governance and accountability structures that will support delivery, with clear processes for monitoring progress, managing risk, and ensuring transparency. The Action Plan translates the high-level ambitions of the Strategy into a practical set of actions, reviewed quarterly, that will drive measurable results on the ground over the next four years.

Speaking at the launch, Councillor Geraldine Kearns, Deputy Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said:

“This is a proud moment for our district. The Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark is an international designation but it belongs to our communities. These plans set out how we will protect and enhance our landscapes and heritage, while ensuring that the Geopark delivers real benefits for local people, visitors and future generations. It is a vision rooted in pride of place and in a shared commitment to work together for the good of our environment, our economy and our culture.”

The launch marks an important milestone for the Geopark, which was awarded UNESCO Global Geopark status in May 2023. Covering 1,931 square kilometres, it encompasses the Mourne Mountains, the Ring of Gullion, Strangford and Lecale and the seas around our coast, and is home to more than 182,000 residents. Its landscapes tell a geological story that spans hundreds of millions of years, while its communities safeguard a rich cultural, natural and built heritage.

By aligning with UNESCO’s ethos of “Celebrating Earth Heritage, Sustaining Local Communities,” the Strategic Framework sets the course for the Geopark to become a leading example of how heritage conservation, sustainable tourism, education, and community development can thrive together. For further information and to view the Strategy, Management Plan and Action Plan, visit https://mournegullionstrangfordgeopark.com/mourne-gullion-strangford-geopark-strategic-framework/

Pictured at Geopark Strategy Launch at Derrymore House, left to right: Gavin Grant, Edel Trainor, Anna Murtagh, Rosemary Mulholland, Michelle Boyle, Bernadine Maguire-Matthews, Martin Graham, Des Murphy, Councillor Geraldine Kearns Deputy Chairperson NMDDC, Sean Fitzpatrick, John Joe Cassidy, Amy Dixon, Christine McCormick, Isabel Hood, Camilla Fitzpatrick