Decision

That the proposal by the Kent Downs National Landscape organisation to include land within the London Borough of Bromley, comprising Downe and its surrounds, within an application to UNESCO for Global Geopark status be endorsed.

Reasons for the decision

The Kent Downs National Landscape organisation has been working to secure UNESCO Global Geopark status for the past four years and has proposed that the proposed geopark boundary be extended to include land in the London Borough of Bromley, comprising Downe and its surrounds, for which the Local Authority has previously attempted to secure UNESCO World Heritage Status but been unsuccessful.

There is no expectation or requirement for any financial contribution from the Local Authority in relation to this project, and it has been made clear that no requests for funding will be considered. However, there may be financial benefits in relation to Global Geopark status, for example in accessing certain grant funding, and it will also serve to recognise a unified geographical area where sites and landscapes of international geological significance can be managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.