Jersey could become a UNESCO Geopark, if an application is accepted.

Jersey Heritage has unveiled planned actions for achieving the status for the island.

It would be recognition of the numerous geological sites of scientific importance, rarity or beauty.

"They are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance area managed with a holistic
approach towards protection, education and sustainable development."

A project team has created a 19 point prospectus detailing how it will progress the idea.

Aimbitions in the Aspiring Jersey Island Geopark prospectus includes working with schools, parishes and the community; developing a geotourism offering; the creation of a new Scientific Committee and new signage at sites of geological interest as well as increased physical or digital access to them.

“The pandemic has really highlighted how important our natural and cultural heritage is to us all, not only for our wellbeing, but how our heritage offers future prospects for tourism development for the Island as a whole. The Prospectus sets out what these opportunities could look like within the Aspiring Geopark project in terms of conservation, community engagement, economic development and identity, and what we need to do in
order to take advantage of them.

There is a lot of work to be done before the Island can be considered by UNESCO for Geopark status but momentum is gathering behind the project and we are excited to get more people on board to continue sharing what being a Geopark could mean for Jersey.” - Millie Butel, Jersey Heritage’s Landscape Engagement & Geopark Development Curator.

There are currently 169 designated UNESCO Global Geoparks in 44 countries around the world.

Other organisations already involved in the project  include Société Jersiaise, Jersey National Park, Young Archaeologists’ Club, Jersey
Biodiversity Centre, the Blue Marine Foundation, Ramsar Management Authority, Visit Jersey, Jersey International Centre of Advanced Studies, and Jersey's government.

Anyone wanting to know more about the project can read the prospectus online or visit the AJIG Visitor Centre at Jersey Museum & Art Gallery.