[30 Aug 2006]

A park in central Portugal has been named as the latest member of the Unesco Global Geopark Network.

Naturtejo Geopark is the first of its kind in Portugal to win international recognition and was unanimously accepted by the panel from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

The Geopark Naturtejo da Meseta Meridional in the Beiras region is based around the district of Castelo Branco and has some of the country's most extensive trail networks, providing an insight into both the geological and human history of the area. It is the first Portuguese geopark and an important area of geological relevance.

Following the approval by Unesco of an application lodged by Naturtejo EIM, local businesses are hoping that the designation will boost tourism, regional economic development and the local jobs market.

Unesco Geoparks are managed areas that encompass one or more sites of geological, archaeological, ecological or cultural importance. They help to support local communities, promote ecological tourism and boost development activities.

The second international conference on geoparks is being held next month in Belfast and workshops for delegates on subjects such as sustaining local communities and promoting geological heritage.