CASE STUDY: Mourne mountains (national Park) Flashcards
What is a national park
An area that is designated and managed for conservation purposes and is protected and owned by the government
What is the Mourne mountains in NI and what do people want/not want it to be?
In NI, the Mournes is an area of outstanding natural beauty Some people believe the Mournes should be a national park
Economic ADVANTAGES for the Mournes being a national Park in NI
> tourism provides 2300 jobs but as a national park this could’ve raised to 5100 by 2020
landowners would receive special grants to help them manage sustainability
employment generation, at least 30 direct jobs via a national park authority
increases opportunities for recreation and increased number of visitors
Social ADVANTAGES for the Mournes being a national Park in NI
Opportunities for public understanding and employment improved
Restriction on development of the area (regulations for housing will conserve the area)
Mournes already under pressure with tourist numbers, 1.4 million in 2003. A national park status would allow authority could introduce housing regulations and prevent inappropriate development
Environmental ADVANTAGES for the Mournes being a national Park in NI
Ability to manage visitor numbers and recreation through; cycle paths, limited water sports, traffic calming measures, controlled fishing
Greater environmental protection as national park authority would be responsible for conservation of natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage
Mournes heritage trust: provides protection, conservation and also a stimulus for sustainable economic and social development
Economic DISADVANTAGES for the Mournes being a national Park in NI
Increased second home ownership= only used seasonally= increased house prices, mean8ng current residents will be pushed out as they can’t afford new prices, which reduces business for the area in quieter non holiday times of year
Any new legislation may impact farmers, compromising their practices, therefore reducing their income
Tourist jobs are low paid and seasonal
Social DISADVANTAGES for the Mournes being a national Park in NI
Difficult to reach compromise between interests of various groups, increased conflict between residents and tourists
Added congestion which impacts farmers work
Pressure on local services e.g gift shops, bakers (part time)
Environmental DISADVANTAGES for the Mournes being a national Park in NI
Honeypot sites: lead to large visitor numbers which leads to overcrowding, litter, path erosion, congestion
Mournes delicate ecosystem could not sustain the proposed increase in numbers
Increased people numbers actually puts pressure on the landscape, WILDLIFE biodiversity and built heritage (careful management would be necessary)
Path erosion from hill walkers and horse riders, which damages the environment
