Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark leading the way with Business Sustainability Training Programme

A number of businesses operating within the Cuilcagh Lakeland UNESCO Global Geopark have recently completed a unique climate action training programme to develop sustainable practices that benefit their business and the local environment.

Organised by Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark as part of its commitment to supporting businesses across the Geopark to adapt to and mitigate the challenges presented by climate change, the Business Sustainability Training Programme – a first of its kind on the island of Ireland – provides a framework for businesses to come together to build a sustainable tourism offering.

The programme supports enterprises to achieve cost savings through reductions in waste, water and energy consumption, to benefit from becoming a member of the Geopark Business Sustainability Network and demonstrate a real commitment to sustainable business practises setting them apart as exemplar.

The programme, now in its third year, was facilitated by The Tourism Space. Organisations were guided through a practical and in depth 14-week programme on topics such as energy and water conservation and management, Leave No Trace, biodiversity, accessibility and inclusion and collaborative marketing. Participants also attended a learning journey to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark in Co Clare to consolidate and inspire their continued learning.

Speaking at the Certificate Ceremony of the 2024 Business Sustainability Training Programme, Chair of the Geopark Committee, Councillor Anthony Feely, said:

‘I am delighted to stand here with partners from Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland to award these certificates of completion to each of the businesses. Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, through the cross-border partnership of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council is committed to supporting businesses and communities across the Geopark through programmes such as this and demonstrating a best practice approach to sustainable development. The funding provided by both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, along with both Councils, is invaluable in supporting these businesses in their commitment to continuous learning and collaborative working.’
The participants in the 2024 programme reflect the quality and diversity of businesses operating within the Geopark and include Belmore Court & Motel, Cuilcagh Cáfe, Dowra Courthouse, Drummany Spirit, Drumrush B&B, Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism, Lough Erne Resort, National Trust Fermanagh, Trinity Island Yoga Retreat, and Trivia House Accommodation.

Gráinne Cornally, Manager of Irelands Hidden Heartlands at Fáilte Ireland, said,

‘Fáilte Ireland is delighted to support this programme which will help businesses to reduce their environmental impact through sustainable methods across areas such as waste, water and energy reduction. This world class training is in line with Failte Ireland’s strategic objectives, and central to Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Regional Tourism Strategy and the draft DEDP of Upper Shannon, Shannon Erne and Border Region. We wish the businesses well as they work through their sustainability journey and look forward to the continued developments of Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark as a leading sustainable tourism destination.’

Having successfully completed the programme, businesses will have the opportunity to join the Business Sustainability Network made up of those who completed the programme in 2020 and 2022. Businesses include Arch House B&B, Blaney Caravan Park, Blue Green Yonder, Corralea Activity Centre, Dulrush Lodge, Erne Water Taxi, Marble Arch Caves, Rushin House Carvan Park and Tullymill Restaurant & Cottages in Co Fermanagh, as well as Carafin Lodge, Cavan Adventure Centre, Drummully Boxty, Hawthorn Lodge, Into the Wild, Jampa Ling, Noeleen Shannon Yoga, The Anglers Rest, Slieve Russell Hotel, The Keepers Arms and the XL Blacklion & Route 16 Café in Co Cavan.

Eimear Callaghan, Head of Experience & Industry Development with Tourism Northern Ireland, added ‘This programme enables businesses to adopt collective sustainable action and prepares them to be ready to take the next step to accreditation. As a destination, Fermanagh Lakelands and the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark are making huge strides at leading the way in this area and we are delighted to support the programme and the tourism businesses with this climate action initiative.’

The programme is funded by Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark with support from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cavan County Council, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.

For more information on participating in future Business Sustainability Training Programme and becoming a part of the Geopark Business Sustainability Network, please contact us via info@cuilcaghlakelands.org.

Notes
Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark is located across counties Cavan and Fermanagh. The Geopark was the first transnational Geopark in the world and is managed through a partnership between Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council.

For more information see www.cuilcaghlakelands.org