Written Statement: GeoMôn GeoPark – celebrating our unique geological heritage

I am pleased to announce a new package of support for GeoMôn, our Geopark on Ynys Môn, one of our most special areas of natural heritage in Wales.

Wales punches well above its weight internationally given its unique landscape, archaeological record, language and culture. Our National Parks and National Landscapes are some of those crown jewels in terms of landscape, but we also have several areas internationally recognised by UNESCO: 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a UNESCO biosphere and two UNESCO Geoparks.

Many countries have a history of using geological phenomena to attract visitors and enrich learning. Geotourism isn’t new to Wales, but we are keen to do more to tap into the full potential of our geoparks to support sustainable tourism and promote local pride and sense of place and ownership. 

Our first Geopark was Fforest Fawr, in the western Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. We are grateful to the National Park Authority for managing and promoting the area. Our other Geopark is on Ynys Môn. This is the first island ever to receive Geopark status, covers some 720 square kilometres and has 201 kilometres of coastline. With rocks spanning 4 Eras and 12 Geological periods, 1,800 million years of history has fashioned more than 100 rock types. 

I was recently delighted to meet volunteers at GeoMôn’s visitor centre in Amlwch - a group of dedicated local people, including several eminent scientists.  I pay warm tribute to the commitment and passion of these volunteers. The charity does terrific work in promoting the Geopark locally, through guided walks and publications. 

On my visit we discussed GeoMôn’s plans and aspirations for the future. Dedicated funding will help them reach their potential in terms of engaging both visitors and local people. I am very pleased therefore to announce a new grant to GeoMôn, which will enable them to employ a Development Officer. The role of this person will be to:

• Improve delivery of UNESCO and WG sustainability objectives
• Develop new initiatives for collaborative projects with partners that contribute to a sustainable tourism strategy for Ynys Môn
• Widen engagement with local communities through a dynamic social media campaign.
• Increase the reach of its educational facilities for schools, and
• Increase the visibility of the geopark and the UNESCO brand 

This relatively modest funding will have a significant impact for the island’s heritage and help give our Geoparks the profile they deserve. 

This has been very much a case of listening to and understanding a local vision of protecting and promoting natural heritage. I am proud to support GeoMôn as it continues to tell the story of our unique and world class natural heritage.