26th July 2019. The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark has announced that fourteen local businesses and organisations have signed up to become Official Associate Partners of the Geopark. These organisations were invited to become official partners of the Geopark because of their cultural, environmental, historical connection or location to key sites of interest around Torbay. Associate Partners will play a vital role in raising awareness of the UNESCO Global Geopark designation and the importance of Torbay’s geological heritage both in history and society today.
One of these Official Associate Partners is the National Coastwatch Institution station at Torbay. They will work to help local people understand why a Geopark designation is so special. They will also demonstrate opportunities for all to learn about, experience and understand other cultures and environments.
Melanie Border, English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Co-ordinator, said: “The variety of work carried out by some of our Associate Partners demonstrates how naturally inspiring Torbay is and how UNESCO Global Geoparks are not just about rocks. Each of our associate partners raise awareness of the unique landscape we live in their own special way..”
Official Associate Partners will be identifiable by the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark logo on display at their premises, on both their and the Geopark’s official website and social media channels .Through their own organisation they will promote, support and facilitate, encourage and enable local projects, initiatives and events that help protect and raise awareness of the Geopark on a local, national and international level.
The photograph, courtesy of Torbay Council shows representatives of some of the new Associate Partners including NCI Torbay