'It is an honour': County Clare to host annual Irish UNESCO Global Geoparks Forum

Clare County Council has announced that the Annual Irish UNESCO Global Geoparks Forum 2025 will be hosted by the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.

Taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, November 26 and 27, this year’s theme is ‘Natural Capital Unpackaged – How UNESCO Global Geoparks Can Play a Role.' The forum will bring together leading experts, community groups and stakeholders to explore the vital role of natural capital in sustainable development and environmental policy.

The two-day event will be held at Hotel Doolin. 

The concept of natural capital provides a way to understand the value nature provides and the dependence on it. It frames the world's resources, like plants, animals, water, and minerals, as assets that benefit the people. This approach helps ensure these resources are considered in decision-making, supporting more sustainable practices.

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The event will feature keynote speeches from Dr Catherine Farrell, Assistant Professor at Trinity Business School, who will introduce natural capital approaches and Stephen Hynes, Professor of Economics at University of Galway, who will discuss marine natural capital accounting from an Irish perspective. Matthew Hornsby, Assistant Principal Officer in the Department of Climate, Energy & the Environment, will also speak on the use of natural capital as an environmental policy tool and the contribution of Geoparks.

The forum will be officially opened by Cllr Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, alongside David Bruck, Irish Ambassador of the National Delegation to UNESCO, Dr Koen Verbruggen, Director of Geological Survey Ireland and Dr Marie Cowan, Director of Geological Survey Northern Ireland.

Attendees will also hear updates from each of the five UNESCO Global Geoparks on the island of Ireland, including a welcome to the newest member of the Irish Geoparks family, Joyce Country.

A highlight of the event will be the Gala Dinner at Hotel Doolin, featuring the renowned ‘30 Mile Menu’ of local food, including ‘GEOfood’ produced within and around the UNESCO Global Geopark.

On Thursday, November 27, a field excursion will depart from Hotel Doolin, offering participants the opportunity to visit key Geopark sites and businesses with a focus on sustainable development, geoheritage and natural capital. The itinerary includes stops at Doolin Pier, Ballyrean, Fanore Beach, Lisdoonvarna and the Kilfenora Burren Centre.

Cllr Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said, “It is an honour for Clare to host this year’s Irish UNESCO Global Geoparks Forum. The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark is a shining example of how communities, businesses and agencies can work together to protect our unique landscapes while supporting sustainable local economies. This forum is an opportunity to share knowledge and strengthen our commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage for future generations.”

Carol Gleeson, Manager of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, added, “This is an opportunity to explore the concept of natural capital accounting as a collaborative, community-centred approach and the environmental, economic and social benefits it could offer, not only in the Burren region but for our colleagues and communities in other Geoparks.”