Governance Decision-Making Tool

Types of Designation

What are the benefits of gaining a designation?

There are different benefits associated with different types of designation. In general, however, it is possible to point to many significant benefits to gaining a designation such as a Biosphere Reserve, Regional Park or Geopark. These include creating a new identity for the region that will help promote (sustainable) tourism; aiding the development of a joined-up strategy for the sustainable development of the area that balances economic benefits with environmental sensitivity; and attracting other beneficial activity to the region, such as sustainable agriculture or environment-focused research. It is important for those establishing a designated area to consider all the possible benefits, so that these can be assessed against the potential costs.

Areas that formed part of the SHAPE project provide examples of the potential benefits of gaining a designation.