UNESCO Forum Hears CLDC Input on Sustainable Rural Recreation
Eoin Hogan, Rural Recreation Officer at Clare Local Development Company (CLDC), delivered a standout presentation at the recent Irish UNESCO Global Geoparks Forum, where he shared innovative approaches to measuring and sustaining rural recreation infrastructure.
The event was held at Hotel Doolin in late November. Speaking alongside distinguished attendees including David Bruck (Irish Ambassador to UNESCO), Dr. Koen Verbruggen (Director of Geological Survey Ireland), and Dr. Marie Cowan (Director of Geological Survey Northern Ireland), Hogan showcased CLDC’s groundbreaking work in translating natural capital into measurable social and community value.
CLDC’s Rural Recreation programme has pioneered the use of Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology to quantify the tangible benefits of walking trails, demonstrating through rigorous research that investment in outdoor infrastructure generates substantial returns.
Through the SROI, it is possible to identify the number of annual visits, and cumulative social value financially over a ten year timeframe and what that translates to in terms of Chief Medical Officer physical activity targets, mental wellbeing and connection to nature.
Beyond impact measurement, CLDC has developed innovative digital solutions for sustainable trail funding and management.
The organisation has implemented WayWyser, a dedicated trail management system enabling real-time asset tracking and user data collection, and pioneered digital donation initiatives using contactless payment technology, allowing trail users to contribute directly to trail maintenance through smartphone-enabled QR codes and NFC chips.
These innovations position CLDC as a leader in bridging natural capital accounting with practical community infrastructure, demonstrating how rural recreation projects can generate both environmental and social dividends while securing long-term sustainability through community engagement.
Clare Local Development Company’s Rural Recreation programme manages walking trails across County Clare, including the Walks Scheme with over 110 landowners maintaining paths like the Burren Way, while supporting community trails, outdoor access, and sustainability projects.