Richard Watson: Park manager

"The European Geo Park is an initiative set up by the European Commission," he said.

"The World Heritage Sites are part of it as well through UNESCO so it is quite important for geology and also, significantly to economic development in the region," he said.

"It is a prestigious event internationally and there are now two in Ireland including ourselves and the Copper Coast in Waterford so we have done quite well.

"We are the first one in the UK so we have got in before a lot of the other known sites.

Robert Gibson of Fermanagh District Council said the announcement would bring employment and investment to the area.

"Fermanagh is well recognised for its natural environment and the warmth of its welcome," he said.

"It is gratifying to see that the Europeans have recognised that our environment is special and the Geo park will recognise what we have in Fermangah.

Robert Gibson: "Fermanagh is well recognised for its natural environment"

"We would see the Geo Park as being a prime mover within our tourist product and we see local employment, inward investment and an awareness of the environment coming with this designation.

Mr added that the inclusion of the Cuilcagh Mountain was crucial to the new status.

"The mountain is vital to the whole thing with the blanket bog which is one of Europe's most rare habitats and increasingly under threat throughout the world so we are doing our best to protect that as well."