By the Board of Trustees, Arran Geopark
Arran is a special place to live, and we want to look after it. It has internationally important geological heritage, but it is not just about the rocks. Global Geoparks are where science, communities and our living, working landscapes join to mutual benefit, leading to wise use of our island. This is crucial for both us and future generations, so how does our community engage and relate to becoming a Global Geopark?
Arran’s landscape is underpinned by its geological history, overlain with forests, fields, farms and all our natural wildlife. We have our own heritage: song, music culture and language have long told of the connection between people and the land. This deeply rooted connection between the island and its people is what the Geopark also wishes to foster.
What are Geoparks? There are less than 200 around the world today and, if UNESCO do award this, it will be a major badge of honour for Arran. A panel of international geologists and geographers will determine it. Last year the national panel unanimously endorsed it, and Arran has now progressed to the global authorities.
Geoparks aim to ensure wise, educational and enjoyable use of the island, for local people and for visitors, our major source of revenue. Arran’s arts and crafts, music, culture, wildlife and its conservation, recreation, farming, education, history, and tourism, all are key elements. Arran’s local food produce and festivals will contribute. Such strengths are all part of Arran’s offering to visitors and the Geopark Board, its Trustees and Supporters all collaborate to secure a healthy and sustainable future for our beautiful island. These represent a wide group of bodies and people. We have been asked many questions about the UNESCO Global Geopark status, and here are several of them, with answers.
What is a UNESCO Global Geopark?
These are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with an all-encompassing and holistic concept of conservation, education and sustainable development. They recognise Earth’s most extraordinary places – places like Arran.
Are communities involved?
Yes, Geoparks are managed by local communities, for local communities. This is vital for their success. The Trustees, Board and Supporters represent many island organisations and individuals from tourism, arts, science, education and natural and cultural heritage backgrounds.
Why go to this effort?
Basically, to support and promote this island where we live. Arran depends on tourism, and tourism is a major force for good. However, tourism can and has brought damage to far too many places around the world. We want people to enjoy it, but Arran also needs to avoid the “loving it to death” syndrome that afflicts so many other places. Often some simple, tried-and-tested tweaks to how things are done, invisible to those enjoying it, may be all that are needed, given the joined-up nature of operating that is intended. The intention is to explain Arran to visitors, its landscapes, its character, and history – so that their appreciation of this stunningly beautiful island is increased.
What are the downsides? What, as a tourist, will I be stopped from doing? As a resident, will you stop me building or developing what I need?
There are no downsides. The UNESCO Global Geopark has no statutory authority. While other bodies such as National Parks, National Scenic Areas, and SSSIs control some forms of development – Global Geoparks do not. So, there would be no further restrictions beyond those which already apply and which are encouraged by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
How will it affect visiting tourists?
Tourists can keep doing what they already do. The Geopark aims to develop more walks and would try to add informative signage or digital interpretation describing the different landscapes, the wildlife that may be seen, and would explain the numerous historic and pre-historic sites such as the many standing stones that are encountered along these trails. Several routes on Arran already do have signage, but many do not. It is widely accepted that most people enjoy things like walks more when they develop greater understanding of what they are seeing, and the intention would be to increase visitors’ understanding and enjoyment along more marked trails.
What will it cost Arran?
Nothing, really. Other UNESCO Geopark sites find that this badge – a global kitemark of achievement or quality – assists in obtaining relevant grant funding. Several modest grants, from North Ayrshire Council, NatureScot and the Arran Trust have been made to help develop the idea and undertake the groundwork towards UNESCO recognition. Overall, a UNESCO Global Geopark generates money, for Arran and for its visitor economy. It won’t take any away and it won’t cost islanders’ anything.
Will UNESCO or the UN have a say in what we do?
No, none at all. How it is run and what initiatives it takes will be determined ultimately by what the community agree – and on funds too, of course! The Geopark Board and Trustees are informed, directed and influenced by the bodies they represent, and by the group of Supporters who can voice their opinions. Anyone can voice their opinions of course, by contacting the Board of Trustees. UNESCO can, however, withdraw their badge of approval after four yearly intervals if nothing is done.
Does it cover marine areas too?
Yes, as seen on the map. We already have the South Arran Marine Protected Area and the Lamlash Bay No take Zone, the latter especially being a model of conservation that Scotland’s badly depleted coastal seas need. Many rumours used to swirl around the latter – we would be forbidden to cross it, and so on, but these were incorrect. In fact, the marine geology is likely to be as elaborate as that which we see on land but, being harder to access and see, and being covered by layers of silt that come from far away, it is less well known or understood. This is partly the domain of COAST, who are of course represented on the board of Trustees.
What if we are not awarded the status?
Well, it would mean that Arran won’t get the cherry on the cake! But the Geopark work will continue anyway because it is all for the benefit of the island and its tourist industry. It is also for the benefit of Arran’s sustainable and wise use – something that everywhere needs to strive for. And what was evident from the recent conference organised by VisitArran is the mutual support already existing amongst the many different elements of the Arran tourist business. This would continue and UNESCO Geopark status will assist this too.
Are there any other websites for this and the Geopark generally?
Yes, there is plenty to read in these two links:
https://www.arran-geopark.org.uk
https://www.unesco.org/en/iggp/geoparks/about
For those interested in more, our 50 page application contains much about the geology, present landscape, culture and relevant activities. Contact Arran Geopark at Chair@arran-geopark.org.uk if you want a link to the application and its supporting appendices too.
