Geoparks 2006 - Second UNESCO International Conference On Geoparks - Belfast Sept 06

GEOPARKS 2006
Second UNESCO International Conference On Geoparks in association with the seventh annual meeting of the European Geoparks Network.

Overall conference theme:
"Celebrating earth heritage, sustaining local communities"

The Organising Committee, on behalf of the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, Fermanagh District Council and the European Geoparks Network cordially invites you to participate in the professional and social programme of the Second UNESCO International Conference on Geoparks.
The conference will take place at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland from September 17 - 21, 2006 and will be preceded and succeeded by a series of excursions.

The main aims of the conference are:
* To reflect on the growing development of the GEOPARK initiative
across the world and to celebrate Earth Heritage.
* To discuss mechanisms that will ensure the continued growth of the
initiative and the strengthening of the Global Geoparks Network
* To examine how links between geo-scientists and the tourism industry can enhance the sustainable economic development of Geoparks
* To discuss the economic benefit of Geoparks to sustaining local
communities

These four aims will be reflected in the ten themes to which
contributions (oral and poster) are invited. These themes are as
follows:

* Geoparks: The Economic Benefits
* Geoparks and their role in the protection of geological heritage
* Marketing geological heritage to the public
* How to make a successful geopark
* Geoparks and Tourism
* Geoparks and Geosites: a twin-tracked approach to geological heritage
* Geoparks and public outreach
* Presentation of new and aspiring geoparks
* Integrating geodiversity into national park conservation policy
* Geoparks: Future direction and vision

For further information and to register for the conference, please
visit our event website www.geoparks2006.com

There is currently an early bird discounted rate of £200.00 being
offered to those delegates who register and pay on or before 30th
April 2006.
We look forward to welcoming you to Northern Ireland and in the
meantime if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact
us.
Organisation Committee
2nd UNESCO International Conference on Geoparks.