The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark is delighted to announce that fourteen local businesses and coastal initiatives have signed up to become Official Associate Partners of the Geopark.

A number of 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.

They will work to give local people a sense of pride in the area and help them further 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.

Fourteen local organisations have signed up to be Associate Partners of the Geopark and are: Anstey’s Cove Café, Torbay Cleaner Coasts Initiative, Squircle Arts, Doorstep Arts, Paignton Pleasure Cruises, Reach Outdoors, Artizan Gallery, Sea Kayak Torbay, National Coastwatch Initiative, The Sustainable Earth Institute, The Seal Project, The Guardhouse Café, Devon Unique Tours and the Breakwater Bistro.

Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture, Cllr Mike Morey, said: “We are delighted to have our Associate Partners on board to assist us in raising awareness of our UNESCO designation. The Associate Partner Scheme offers a new level of partnership working for the Geopark in addition to our core partners who sit on the Geopark Management Group.”

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 core and associate partners raise awareness of the unique landscape we live in their own special way whether it be through art, physical activity, learning or relaxation.”

Professor Iain Stewart, from the Sustainable Earth Institute (SEI) and patron of the English Riviera Geopark, said: “At a time when climate change and habitat destruction threaten the long-time health of the plant and those living on it, connecting people with the natural world has never been more vital. The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark presents SEI with a wonderful way to make those real connections, linking the science of the natural environment directly to Torbay’s economic, social and cultural well-being.”

Jeff Stokes, owner of Anstey’s Cove Café and Associate Partner, said: “We are incredibly lucky to live and work in such a beautiful place, and along with many of our visitors we have a keen interest in the local history and landscape. Becoming an official Associate Partner means we can help show people there is so much more to see, learn and enjoy thanks to the amazing natural story of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark.”

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 and via an ‘A’ frame information sign.

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.

You can find out more on each of the Associate Partners on the Geopark’s website: www.englishrivierageopark.org.uk  If you think your business has what it takes to become an Associate Partner of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark please submit your enquiry to: enquiries@englishrivierageopark.org.uk