Paignton Zoo trust joins partnership to protect English Riviera UNESCO Geopark

Wild Planet Trust, the organisation behind Paignton Zoo, has partnered up with the English Rivera UNESCO Global Geopark to help protect Torbay’s internationally significant geology and environment.

While internationally important for conservation and research, Torbay’s Geopark status is relatively unknown. UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed and protected.

Torbay was designated as a Geopark due to its diverse geology spanning multiple geological periods, visible at the surface in various locations. Additionally, Torbay Council and other organisations have worked to promote the region's unique geology to the community through educational efforts.

Torbay joins just nine other areas in the UK with the status and 200 internationally.

Core Partners play a pivotal role in the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark helping to fulfil the requirements to retain the UNESCO designation. All Core Partners have an influential seat on the Geopark Management Group which is the decision-making body for the Geopark with a focus to promote, support and facilitate, encourage, and enable local projects, initiatives and events that help protect and raise awareness of the Geopark as one of Earth’s extraordinary places.

A renowned organisation in its own right, the partnership with Wild Planet Trust further enriches the diverse range of organisations dedicated to conserving and promoting Torbay’s unique environment, heritage and culture underpinned by the internationally significant geological heritage of the English Riviera.

Wild Planet Trust’s involvement will include ongoing research, educational activities, and
conservation initiatives aimed at preserving the natural heritage of the region. The Wild Planet Trust played a key role in lobbying for the creation of the Torbay Marine Conservation Zone, one of 91 Marine Conservation Zones in the country, which provides protection for rare and threatened species. The organisation also manages The ‘Save our Seagrass’ project using a team of volunteer divers to survey key seagrass sites in Torbay.

It’s hoped that these commitments will help to strengthen the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark’s mission of conserving and protecting Torbay’s natural environment.

“I am delighted the Wild Planet Trust has joined the Geopark Management Group as a Core
Partner,” said Nick Powe, Chair of English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark. “Their extensive expertise and dedication to conservation will be a tremendous asset for the Geopark. We look forward to collaborating with the Trust in our efforts to develop and promote sustainable ways to discover, celebrate and care for Torbay’s rich geological heritage and exceptional biodiversity.”

Dennis Flynn OBE, Wild Planet Trust CEO, said: “We are delighted to announce this new partnership with the English Riviera Geopark, which recognises a commitment to the conservation of our local environment that stretches back over 100 years. Through Paignton Zoo, our nature reserves, and our community-based projects, we are incredibly well-placed to help amplify the work of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark to protect this special location and all the species that call it home.”

Councillor Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place, Culture and Events and Parking at Torbay Council, said; “The collaboration between the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark and Wild Planet Trust creates a powerful alliance, with the two organisations uniting their shared commitment to nature conservation, raising awareness of the climate agenda and education.

“By joining forces, the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark and Wild Planet Trust will work collaboratively to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the critical relationship between geology, plant life, species habitats and how we protect and understand them.”