Funded Projects 2014-2020

Project Drifting Apart

Project Acronym	Drifting Apart
Project Title	Reuniting our geological heritage
Project subsite	Drifting Apart
Project Website	http://driftingapart.ccght.org

Summary

Support the development of new and aspiring Global Geoparks, the promotion of innovative products and services for social and economic prosperity and to continue to build a strong network of Geoparks in the Northern Periphery and Arctic Region

Objectives

The project objectives are to: research, identify and promote the common geological heritage of the Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme area, to develop quality material for the use of all in the development of interpretation and education programmes, encourage research and the use of new technologies, innovative tools and products to illustrate the common geological heritage of the Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme area, and, realise the potential of our common geological heritage to provide sustainable economic opportunities for tourism businesses, education organisations and community groups in the Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme area.

Impacts

Tangible

Improved competitiveness:	Partners developed several Toolkits providing guidance on how to manage a Geopark, engage with local communities and prepare marketing information for visitors. Toolkits are globally transferable and may support new aspiring territories to apply to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. The toolkits, together with enhanced visitor facilities and connections to global sites through Transnational Visitor Trail improved the competitiveness of partners in local, national and international tourism market.
Improved access to services:	The project developed 15 new visitor centres and enhanced access or interpretation at over 60 sites, including new information panels, booklets, show rooms, road signs and hiking trails. Virtual Reality platform GeoVR, helps to raise awareness of local geo-heritage and promotes connections to other global sites. New knowledge about the geology and the use of GeoVR acquired through training helps teachers and tour guides to deliver more informed tours and enhances children´s educational experience.

Improved competitiveness:

Partners developed several Toolkits providing guidance on how to manage a Geopark, engage with local communities and prepare marketing information for visitors. Toolkits are globally transferable and may support new aspiring territories to apply to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. The toolkits, together with enhanced visitor facilities and connections to global sites through Transnational Visitor Trail improved the competitiveness of partners in local, national and international tourism market.

Improved access to services:

The project developed 15 new visitor centres and enhanced access or interpretation at over 60 sites, including new information panels, booklets, show rooms, road signs and hiking trails. Virtual Reality platform GeoVR, helps to raise awareness of local geo-heritage and promotes connections to other global sites. New knowledge about the geology and the use of GeoVR acquired through training helps teachers and tour guides to deliver more informed tours and enhances children´s educational experience.

Lead Partner

Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust
Northern Ireland
Andrew Bratton
phone +44 2820752100
e-mail: Andrew@ccght.org

Partners

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
Northern Ireland
Geopark Shetland
Scotland
Kenozero National Park
Russia
Magma Geopark
Norway
Reykjanes Geopark
Iceland
Stonehammer Geopark
Canada

Project Info

Theme
Tourism, recreation, cultural heritage, languages

Priority
4 Natural and Cultural Heritage

Objective
4 Increased capacity for sustainable environmental management

Project duration
30-04-15 to 29-04-18

Total budget
1 660 998 EUR

NPA co-financing
1 037 265 EUR

Target groups
regional public authority
sectoral agency
business support organisation

Joint Secretariat Desk Officer
Christopher Parker