Residents of Jersey are being encouraged to suggest sites that highlight the island’s unique qualities as part of a campaign to nominate areas for prestigious international recognition.
Visit Jersey, the organisation promoting tourism on the island, aims to secure UNESCO Global Geopark status for the Bailiwick of Jersey. Currently, there are 213 UNESCO Global Geoparks worldwide, including 109 in Europe.
In addition to nominating the entire island, Visit Jersey believes specific sites may also qualify for geopark status and is inviting locals to contribute their ideas. Sites can fall into one of two categories: geological or non-geological.
In the geological category, which emphasizes natural history, locations like Anne Port or Portelet Bay might be considered. The non-geological category includes sites with historical, cultural, or mythical significance, such as Le Dolmen des Geonnais, Hamptonne, or St Clement’s Church.
“There is flexibility in selecting geosites, and we want to gather as many ideas as possible,” a Visit Jersey spokesperson stated.
To encourage participation, Visit Jersey is hosting four public sessions where islanders can learn more and share their suggestions:
Tuesday, 5 November, 19:00 – 20:30 GMT at St Ouen’s Parish Hall
Tuesday, 12 November, 19:00 – 20:30 at St Lawrence Parish Hall
Thursday, 14 November, 19:00 – 20:30 at St Martin’s Public Hall
Thursday, 21 November, 19:00 – 20:30 at St Clement’s Parish Hall