This article is from page 14 of the 2013-10-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
THE success of North Clare as Ireland’s foremost eco-tourism hotspot has been recognised with the news that a major international conference will take place in Ennistymon next week.
Following the success of a number of diverse projects including the BurrenLIFE Project and the Burren Ecotourism Network, North Clare now looks set to place itself at the head of this emerging tourism sector.
The conference will feature contributions from leading international experts on sustainable tourism including the Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism (France), Solimar International (USA), Cultural Site Research and Management (USA).
The event, which is called the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark LIFE Conference, could play an active role in shaping the future of sustainable tourism, not just in Ireland, but all over the world.
“Our premise in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark is that conservation and tourism depend on each other and support each other, and it’s clear that the balance can only be achieved through a partnership between conservation, economic and social interests and in particular, between agencies and local people,” Carol Gleeson, Manager of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark LIFE Programme.
“The aim of this conference is to explore this balance and partnership by considering international best practice and by developing ideas on the type of environments and partnerships we need to create here in Ireland, and in Europe, for sustainable destinations to flourish.
“We are delighted to have very ex- perienced international and national speakers and facilitators, and we invite all conference participants to contribute to the discussion forums. The presentations and discussions will be recorded and circulated after the conference.”
Conference keynote speakers include Catalina Etcheverry Partner Relationship Manager for the Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism, Dr Douglas Comer President of Cultural Site Research and Management and the CSRM Foundation and Erika Harms of Solimar International.
A special presentation will also be made to Dr Pat O’Connor, former Director of the Geological Survey of Ireland, in recognition of the role he played in securing Global Geopark Status for the Burren and Cliffs of Moher region.
The conference will take place at the Falls Hotel and Spa in Ennistymon on October 17 and 18.