Introduction to World Heritage Site Management Plan Report...

Introduction to World Heritage Site Management PlanReport for 2007 - 2008 and Action Plan for 2008 - 2009

The following is a report of progress on delivering the Management Plan for the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site andalso outlines actions proposed to be carried out during the current year. The Management Plan runs until 2010 however we will review the planin 2009 and commence preparation of the new plan.

In the past year the replacement of the visitor centre has been much discussed in the media. The National Trust and Moyle District Council havenow agreed that the National Trust should lead the development of the visitor centre and the Trust submitted a planning application in June2008 which is a significant milestone. Much of the management committee’s time has been on focused on ensuring that the visitor centre will beappropriately integrated with the site. This requires looking at transport to and around the site and planning for interpretation. There isconsensus that the visitor centre should support visitor’s appreciation of the site but should not detract from the real attraction, the WorldHeritage Site.

To benefit visitors directional tourist signage for the Causeway Coastal Route has been installed between Londonderry and Belfast. On the WorldHeritage Site the visitor experience has been enhanced by rangers who provide first hand interpretation. The dedication of volunteers to thiswork has been particularly appreciated.

The Shifting Shores study commissioned by the National Trust and published in 2007 included a case study on the World Heritage Site. Itidentified the possible impacts of climate change and sea level rise and the resulting management challenges for the site. Some of thesechallenges are already being seen through landslides arising from prolonged rain which in turn are affecting public access. It highlights thatplanning and management need to take account of the dynamic nature of the site.

During the period while negotiations were taking place about the visitor centre the Department of the Environment postponed meetings of theManagement Committee on the basis that it would be difficult to hold open discussions relating to the visitor centre. Some members of thecommittee voiced concern at this decision and the committee is examining management structures in other World Heritage Sites with a view todeveloping new management arrangements for the future.

A report was submitted by EHS in January 2008 to the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO, primarily to update it on the replacement of thevisitor centre. The Committee considered this in June, welcomed the involvement of stakeholders and noted progress in relation to the visitorcentre. It has requested an update in February 2010.

There are many important actions identified in the management plan which have been impossible to deliver without a dedicated World HeritageSite Officer. Funding has been agreed for this officer and it is hoped to have someone in place in early 2009. Among the many benefits that welook forward to, the WHS Officer will bring the opportunity to give local communities more input to how the World Heritage Site is managed.They will also compile information about the site in a readily accessible (GIS based) format.

Susanna Allen (Chairperson)On behalf of the World Heritage Site Management Committee

Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site Management PlanThis plan will contribute to the implementation of the Causeway Coast and Glens Tourism Masterplan whenever it is compatible with theobjectives and interests of the World Heritage Site Management Plan.

Objective 1 – implement, monitor and review the WHS Management Plan through the formation of an active and effective partnership ofbodies with responsibility for making and implementing decisions that may affect the Site.

Action Extent Agencies Target forimplementation

Progress to date (highlightany actions that will becompleted by 31 Mar 08)

Progress planned forApr 08 to Mar 09

Priority

Form the proposed WHSManagement group to providestrategic guidance for thedevelopment, management andconservation of the site

WHS DETI,NIEA,MDC,NT,CCGHT

In progress Group set up June 2005and 10 meetings have beenheld

Meet regularly duringincoming year

Complete

Prepare and co-ordinate an annualprogramme for action that translatesthe WHS Management Plan’sobjectives into practical action onthe ground

WHS NIEAWHSO

In progress Annual programme agreedMar 2007 and updated bymembers by end Mar 2008

Discussion June 2008to agree the nextAction Plan

1

Co-ordinate with other bodies andlandowners on the Site and withinthe setting to prevent duplication ofactivities

WHS WHSO Ongoing Little progress as focus hasbeen on visitor centre

Function of WHSOfficer (WHSO) onceappointed

1

Objective 2 – integrate the management of the visitor centre and associated facilities and the management of the Site




Priority

Consider appointment of a WHSManagement Officer

WHS NIEA,NT,MDC

Short term NT has preparedsubmission to NIEA forgrant aid which wasapproved in principle.Moyle District Council hasprovided £2000 in budgetsover a three year period fora WHS ManagementOfficerNT have funding in place

Letter of Offer issuedto NT in May 08Final job description tobe agreed by MG withappointment of WHSOin Autumn 08

1

Objective 3 – involve local communities in the strategic management of the Site


Progress to date(highlight any actionsthat will be completed by31 Mar 08)


Priority

Identify key points of contact andestablish formal links with localcommunity groups

WHS MGWHSO

Short term CCGHT and CC AONBmanagement groupprovide links with widercommunity. Info aboutWHS on their web page.NT have held regularmeetings withcommunity organisations

WHSO will build linkswith local community

Formalised engagementstrategy by March 09

1

Establish a Local/RegionalAdvisory Forum to advise thefuture management of the Site

WHS MG Short term No progress to date To be established in09/10

1

Objective 4 – ensure adequate information is available to all Site managers




Priority

Develop effective monitoringregimes (see appendix D)

WHS NT, NIEA Short term CMS scheme developedfor ecologicalmanagement of the siteunder auspices of NNRplan.

On-going review ofCMS

1

Develop a GIS system accessible toall agencies involved with Sitemanagement

WHS WHSO,NIEA

Short term No progress to date NIEA to investigate co-ordinating info onNIEA site

2

Incorporate ecological baseline datainto the GIS

WHS&Setting

NIEA, NT Short term NVC data held in paperform by NIEA

NVC data held byNIEA to be transferredonto GIS system

2

Survey the Site to record thelocation and condition ofarchaeological/historic structuresand features and then incorporatethe results into the proposed GIS

WHS NIEA, NT Short term Archaeological surveycompleted, includes geo-referencing

Incorporate into GIS in09/10

3

Create a database of historicalinformation relevant to the Site

WHS MG Medium term Some info. beingcollated by interpretativedesigners

Not priority for currentyear

3

Explore the feasibility of creating asingle repository for storing originalmaterial and copies relevant to theSite

WHS MG,MAGNI

Medium term No progress to date WHSO to compileregister of information

3

Objective 5 – establish links with other similar World Heritage Sites




Priority

Establish links to collaborate andshare information on managementand monitoring with other similarWHS.

WHS WHSO,NIEA

Ongoing NIEA ongoing contactthrough DCMS, WHS Co-ordinator meetingsCCGHT have links withseveral WHS – JurassicCoast - Eng, Newgrange -ROI, Thingvellir – IcelandNT-Undertaken on ad-hocbasis.

Activity of WHSO in09/10CCGHT are looking atestablishing Geoparkstatus for part of thearea though this wouldbe a two year process

1

Objective 6 – accept the management consequences of a dynamic site




Priority

Review the use of stabilisationtechniques which prevents/reducesgeomorphological activity

WHS NT Short term A scoping study onclimate change wascarried out by NT

ongoing 1

Objective 7 – support geological research programmes and projects


Progress to date(highlight any actionsthat will be completedby 31 Mar 08)


Priority

Encourage researchers to use theSite in their work

WHS NTNIEA/GSNI

Ongoing Seabed mapping byNIEAClimate change reportproduced by NT

NIEA/GSNI to reviewopportunities

Opportunities will beexplored through UK’sHeritage Scienceinitiative

2

Ensure that the GIS (see objective4) is available to researchers andthat their results are, whereappropriate, incorporated back intothe GIS

WHS MG Ongoing No progress to date 09/10 priority forWHSO

2

Encourage the use of the Site andregion for academic conferences

WHS MG Ongoing No progress to date Opportunity to tap intogovernment fundedPhDs. Talk to PaulLyle to identifyresearch priority.NIEA to make contact

3

Objective 8 – ensure that the unique character, distinctiveness and aesthetic quality of the Site’s ‘natural’ landscape is recognised,conserved and enhanced




Priority

Reduce, whenever possible, thevisual intrusion of the buildings intothe lower areas of the WHS

WHS MG, PS,NT

Ongoing NT took overresponsibility for newvisitor facilities in Feb 08

NT to submit aplanning applicationfor new visitor facilitieson the basis of thepublic sector(Heneghan-Peng)design by June 2008

1

On-site infrastructure, includingbus, road, paths, fencing andtemporary fencing should bereviewed and redesigned to reflectlandscape character and quality ofthe WHS

WHS NT Opening ofvisitor centre

Path work undertaken Greater co-ordinationwith visitor centredevelopment.Progress access plan

1

Ensure landscape concerns arereflected in the Visitor AccessMasterplan (see objective 19)

WHS MG,WHSO,DETI

Opening ofVisitor centre

See objective 19 Take into account inaccess plan

1

Objective 9 – improve knowledge and understanding of the landscape character of the Site and its setting




Priority

Undertake a landscape assessmentfor the Site and its setting

WHS NIEA Short term Considered in draftNorthern Area Planpublished May 2005NIEA prepared paper onlandscape April 2007

Baseline information isin place. No proposalsfor current year.

1

Incorporate landscape baseline intoGIS system to support decisionmaking

WHS NIEAWHSO

Short term No progress to date LCA boundaries to beadded to GIS

2

Objective 10 – balance the management requirements of visitors with the Site’s ecology




Priority

Include ecological constraints andissues within the Visitor AccessMasterplan (see objective 19)

WHS MG,NT

Opening ofVisitor centre

75% of visitor centreEIA/TIA complete

See objective 19

EIA/TIA to becompleted prior toplanning application inJune 2008.Take into account insite access plan

1

Objective 11 – update and use the SAC conservation objectives, NNR draft management plan and additional ASSI objectives to managethe Site’s ecology




Priority

Update and finalise the NNRmanagement plan in line with WHSManagement Plan

WHS NT.NIEA,MG

2005 Ongoing Progress report on plandelivery due March2009

1

Continue to use the SAC objectivesand NNR management plan toinform the development of visitoraccess proposals and in day-to-daymanagement of the Site

WHS NT ongoing ongoing Take into account insite access plan

1

Objective 12 – develop management proposals for the sub-tidal zone


Progress to date (highlight anyactions that will be completed by 31Mar 08)


Priority

Commission research into theconservation interests of thesub-tidal zone

WHS NIEA Short term NIEA are undertaking seabedmapping of the area.

Evaluation of resultsof seabedmonitoring for WHS

2

Ensure that the counter-pollution and responseprocedures are activated whennecessary to counteractaccidental discharge from theland or passing maritimevessels

WHS&Setting

CG,NIEA

ongoing Maritime and Coastguard Agencyhas a National Contingency Plan inplace.www.mga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcgahomeNIEA EP has specialist equipmentand comprehensive plans fordealing with coastal pollution.

Procedures in place 1

http://www.mga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcgahome

Objective 13 – interpret and promote the intangible values and cultural heritage of the Site




Priority

Include cultural heritage andintangible values in theinterpretation of the Site

WHS MG, NT,NITB

Short term Cultural heritage is beingdeveloped as part of theInterpretive ContentStrategy for the newfacilitiesCCGHT havecommissioned a CulturalHeritage Audit for widerCauseway Coast andGlens area. CHaddressed within CCAONB leaflet and maybe addressed withinfuture publications.GCVF Ltd ContentStrategy approved byGCVF Board July 2007.

NT/NITB to agreescope, content andmedium forinterpretation.Interpretation proposalsto be completed by Mar09MG to review andcomment oninterpretation proposalsfor site and wider area.NITB are looking atinterpretation of wholeCauseway CoastalRoute and branding ofroute

1

Objective 15 – seek to increase visits to the Site on public and/or other forms of sustainable transport




Priority

Promote details on how to reach theWHS focussing on sustainablemethods of transport

WHS NT,CCGHT

Ongoing CCGHT promotessustainable transportwithin its publicationsOngoing

Strategic transport planto be developed andimplemented byopening of visitorcentre

1

Provide facilities on-site for visitorsto store luggage, cycles etc.

WHS MG, NT Ongoing Architectural floor planfor new centre providesfor storage for cyclistsand pedestrians.

Provided by opening ofvisitor centre

1

Examine the feasibility of providingincreased levels of public transportto the Site

WHS&Setting

MG, Medium term No progress to date Strategic transport planto be developed andimplemented byopening of visitorcentre

1

Prepare a Green Transport Plan forthe Site

WHS&Setting

MG,DRD,DOE, NT

Opening ofvisitor centre

No progress to date Strategic transport plandeveloped andimplemented byopening of visitorcentre

1

Objective 16 – signage and information on transport links to the Site should be easily available within the causeway Coast and Glensregion and at principal arrival points




Priority

Review current signage provisionand enhance as necessary for onand off site parking

WHS NITB,DRD,NT

Ongoing Causeway Coastal Routesignage complete aroundattraction

Site signage to bereviewed andintegrated into newvisitor facilities withRoads Service

1

Use the Visitor Servicing Strategyfor NI Manual and The Guide toTourist Signing in NI to promotethe Site

Setting NITB, RS Short term Ongoing with current sitemanagers

ongoing 1

Objective 17 – enhance the visitor experience without compromising the significance of the Site




Priority

Develop an official Giant’sCauseway and Causeway CoastWHS website

WHS NIEAWHSO

Short term NIEA web pages havebeen updated throughoutthe yearCCGHT has info ofWHS on their web page

09/10 priority activityfor WHSOCC&GLtd to assistwith link to regionalweb page

1

Develop new world-class visitorcentre for the Site

WHS&Setting

NTMDCMG

Short term Transfer ofresponsibilities fromDETI to NT and they aredeveloping proposals fordevelopment andoperation of newfacilities

NT to submit aplanning applicationfor new visitor facilitieson the basis of thepublic sector(Henegan-Peng) designby June 2008.

1

Prepare an integrated marketing/promotion strategy for the Site

WHS RTP, MG,NT, NITB,TourismIreland

Medium tocoincide withVC opening

No progress to date Link to regionalmarketing

1

Objective 18 – reduce the impact of ‘assisted access’ vehicles from the visitor centre to the stones (links with Obj. 8)




Priority

Consider alternative means of‘assisted access’ to the causewayStones

WHS MG, NT Opening ofvisitor centre

Paper prepared by NT onvarious options

Take into account insite access plan

1

Undertake a legal review of theroad’s status

Z1 NIEA,NT, RS


Paper prepared by NT onhistory of road status

Status of road needs tobe reviewed to beconsistent with newvisitor facilities

1

Objective 19 – develop a Visitor Access Masterplan for the Site




Priority

Prepare a Visitor AccessMasterplan (to include getting toand around the site)

WHS MG, RS,NTWHSO


Researching options Plan to be completedfor submission withapplication to HLF

1

Explore the feasibility of creating anetwork of circular walks andlonger walks to and from the Site

WHS&Setting

NT,CAAN

Short term ongoing Proposals to beincluded in accessstrategy

1

Explore the feasibility of creating ashuttle service betweenDunseverick Castle and CausewayHead to facilitate longer walks toand from the Site

WHS&Setting

MG,DRD,Translink,NT

Short term Causeway Coast RamblerBus Service in place

Proposals to beincluded in accessstrategy

1

Undertake a feasibility study forreopening the lower cliff path atleast as far as Port na Spaniagh

Z3 andZ4

MG Medium term Lower cliff path has beendiscussed several timesand it was agreed that itwas inappropriate toprogress with thefeasibility study forreopening the lower cliffpath at the present time.

Agreed notto progress

3

Objective 20 – identify, monitor and address visitor safety issues at the Site



Progress planned for Apr08 to Mar 09

Priority

Within the Visitor AccessMasterplan (see Obj 19) use theVisitor safety in the CountrysideGroup (VSCG) guidance to producea zoned approach to visitor safetyand access

WHS NT Short term No progress to date Ongoing 1

Undertake regular safety audits,monitoring and risk assessments

WHS NT Ongoing Ongoing work of NT Ongoing 1

Review the effectiveness of safetythrow lines on the Grand causeway.If appropriate, implement a lessvisual intrusive scheme

Z1 NT Short term Occurs as part ofregular H&Smonitoring

Throw lines expected tobe retained forforeseeable future

1

Identify and use less visuallyintrusive types of temporary safetyfencing

Z1,Z2, Z3

NT Short term No action As required 1

Objective 21 – develop a co-ordinated approach to the maintenance and improvement of the interpretation facilities on the Site




Priority

Prepare a cohesive and co-ordinatedinterpretation strategy for the Siteand new visitor centre

WHS MG,NITB,RTP, NT


Interpretation Strategyproduced for the WHSsite Feb 2006GCVF Ltd ContentStrategy approved byGCVF Board July2007.

NT/NITB to agree scope,content and medium forinterpretation.To be completed by Mar09 combining WHSinterpretative strategyand requirements of siteand NITB

1

Promote interpretive links to thewider region, particularly throughthe landscape and geology themes

WHS&Setting

CCGHT Ongoing CCGHT has a lead rolein relation tointerpretation withinwider area initiallyfocusing on theCauseway Coastalroute

To be included ininterpretationimplementation plan

1

Explore opportunities for increasingfirst person interpretation of the Site

WHS MG, NT,NITB,RTP

Short term Introduction ofextensive rangerservice on site

Continuation of activity 1

Objective 22 – maintain and improve the educational programmes and facilities on the Site




Priority

Frequently monitor and review theprovision of facilities for formaleducation of school children

WHS NEELB,NT, MDC

Ongoing NT runs programmesfor schools – 5-6000pupils/yr

As part of the HLF bidWHSO to take forwardeducational activitiesand engagement withthe community

1

Develop formal links betweenNEELB and the National Trust toexchange ideas and share resources

WHS NT,NEELB

Ongoing No progress to date NT to look atestablishing formallinks

Participate in UKWorld HeritageEducation Programme

1

Extend the educationprogramme(s) to others notcurrently involved

WHS MG Ongoing No progress to date CCGHT and CCAONBphotographiccompetitionWHSO to be involvedwith UNESCOEducationalCommittee.CCGHT CCAONBflora guide

2

Objective 23 – encourage the protection of the setting of the Site to secure the overall integrity of the WHS




Priority

Monitor effectiveness of NorthernArea Plan in achieving protectionof the setting of the Site

WHS &Setting

MG, PS,NIEA

Ongoing NAP has been delayed Not applicable 2

Commission historic and currentusage study to demonstrate historyand nature of change ofdevelopment in the area

WHS &Setting

NIEA,MG

Short term NIEA compiled paperon planning policies

NIEA and PS todiscuss any actionrequired in context ofdNAP and dPPS14

1

Promote high standards of designfor development in the setting

WHS &Setting

CCGHT Ongoing Not started NIEA and PS todiscuss any actionrequired in context ofdNAP and dPPS14

2

Support the development of adesign guide for WHS, setting andwider area

WHS &setting+beyond

NIEA,PS, MG

Short term Not started NIEA and PS todiscuss any actionrequired in context ofdNAP and PPS14

2

Encourage and support the currentmixed farming regime within thesetting of the Site

WHS &Setting

WHSODARD

Ongoing Not started Not priority for comingyear but can reviewwhen WHSO in place

2

Undertake an active process ofcommunication to ensure that locallandowners and managers,especially the farmers within theare, are made aware of the WHSsetting issues

WHS &Setting

MG,DARD

Ongoing Not started Not priority for comingyear but can reviewwhen WHSO in place

3

Explore the feasibility ofimplementing a special agri-environment scheme to supportfarmers within the setting of theWHS

WHS &Setting

NIEA,DARD

Short term Not started Review when WHSOin place

2

Encourage the retention andrestoration of historic andtraditional hedgerows

WHS &setting+

DARD,WHSO

Ongoing CMS, ESA Review when WHSOin place

2

beyondUndertake detailed landscapecharacter assessment as baselinefor future studies and comparisons

WHS &setting+beyond

MG Ongoing Not started No plans for currentyear

Objective 24 – review the WHS boundary by the end of 2010




Priority

Review the boundary of the WHS WHS&Setting

NIEA 2010 Not started Agree parameters byMar 09

3

Undertake geological and landscapestudy of possible extension areas toinform boundary review

WHS&Setting

NIEA 2010 Not started Agree parameters byMar 09

3

Monitoring 1 – geology and geomorphology (baseline requirements)




Priority

Convert slope stability data into aGIS compatible format

WHS NT, NIEA Short term 2

Identify, record and measureextents of current humaninterventions

WHS MG,NIEANT

Short term 1

Gather data on number of scientificarticles/research trips relevant toSite undertaken over past decade

WHS WHSONT

Short term 2

Identify and record damage to thesite through encroachment ofvegetation etc.

WHS MG,NIEA,NT

Short term 2

Monitoring 2 – landscape (baseline requirements)




Priority

Prepare landscape baseline andphotographic survey for Site

WHS NIEA Short term Not started 1

Monitoring 3 – ecology (baseline requirements)




Priority

Convert ecological data into a GIScompatible format

WHS NIEA Short term NVC survey coversmost of the site whichis available in paperform but also in a formthat could be digitised

1

Monitoring 4 – intangible values and cultural heritage (baseline requirements)




Priority

Prepare cultural heritage baselineand surveys for the Site


Monitoring 5 – visitor management and experience (baseline requirements)


Progress to date(highlight any actionsthat will becompleted by 31 Mar08)


Priority

Undertake baseline visitor survey WHS MG,NITB Ongoing NITB commissionedand published aGiant’s CausewayVisitor Survey inJune 07

1

Undertake baseline traffic survey WHS DETI Short term Traffic surveycompleted as part ofEIA/TIAdevelopment

Complete

Undertake visitor safety riskassessment

WHS NT ongoing 1

Monitoring 6 – socio-economic (baseline requirements)




Priority

Undertake baseline visitor survey WHS MG Ongoing 1

Monitoring 7 – setting (baseline requirements)




Priority

Undertake land use mappingexercise


Monitoring 8 – results




Priority

Undertake an audit of themonitoring results

WHS MG ongoing 1

Introduction to World Heritage Site Management Plan Report...

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