GeoparkLIFE: Tourism for Conservation
Conferences

As part of the GeoparkLIFE project three conferences were held. The first was to launch the project in 2013, the second was a mid-term conference to report on progress and the third was the final conference to report on outcomes.

GeoparkLIFE Final Conference

The final conference was held on the 23^rd November 2017. The focus of the conference was on the learnings of the GeoparkLIFE programme and how these can be transferred to other destinations. Presentations were given by the project coordinators on each of the areas the GeoparkLIFE project tackled:

• Tina O’Dwyer, GeoparkLIFE Tourism Enterprises Coordinator (watch here) presented on the engagement and contribution of tourism enterprises
• Prof. Gabriel Cooney, UCD, GeoparkLIFE funding partner presented on the policy issues confronting the inbound tourism industry (watch here),
• Zena Hoctor, GeoparkLIFE Sites and Monuments Coordinator presented on the projects development of an integrated management approach to visitor management and conservation (watch here),
• Brian McCarthy, Clare County Council talked about planning issues (watch here) and
• Carol Gleeson, GeoparkLIFE Manager presented on what was learnt from the GeoparkLIFE project (watch here).
• A panel discussion  and watch here  sessions moderated by Eoghan Corry, editor of Travel Extra.

 

GeoparkLIFE Mid-Term Seminar

Held on 19th November 2015 and reported on the outcomes and progress achieved to date and looked forward to future actions.

Seminar presentations:

• Balancing Tourism and Conservation—Introducing and updating GeoparkLIFE by Carol Gleeson, Manager Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark
• Developing sustainable ethos and practices among tourism businesses by Tina O’Dwyer, GeoparkLIFE Sustainable Tourism Co-ordinator showcasing a number of good practice case studies of several businesses
• Developing integrated management practices at popular heritage sites by Zena Hoctor, GeoparkLIFE Visitor Management Co-ordinator
• Enabling communities to lead and participate in active conservation by Joanne Gaffery, GeoparkLIFE Community Engagement Co-ordinator, Frank O’Grady, Killinaboy Historical and Heritage Group, Bill Glynn Ballyvaughan Development Group and Janet Cavanagh, Burren Ecotourism Network
• Assessment of current tourism and conservation policy by Prof Gabriel Cooney, UCD
• Concluding remarks by Gerard Dollar, Director of Services, Clare County Council

 

GeoparkLIFE Opening Conference:

Developing Sustainable Tourism Destinations by Balancing Tourism & Conservation Through Partnership

The Conference was held at The Falls hotel, 17th October 2013. Following is videos and presentations from Keynote Speakers.

Conference presentation

• Balancing Tourism & Conservation – Introducing the GeoparkLIFE Project by Carol Gleeson, Manager, Burren & Cliffs of Moher GeoparkLIFE project