Gwynedd celebrates UNESCO designations on organisation's anniversary

Cyngor Gwynedd is celebrating the contribution of its UNESCO sites to the economy, culture and communities of the county as the organisation reached a special milestone over the weekend.

This November UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) marks 80 years of promoting natural and cultural heritage.

Gwynedd has two World Heritage Sites: The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales (designated in 2021) and the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd (designated in 1986).  In addition, the Dyfi Biosphere has been recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Over the years UNESCO designations have attracted significant investment to Gwynedd, and since the designation of The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales as a World Heritage Site in 2021 a total of over £38 million has been secured for the county through sources such as the UK Government, Cadw, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other partners.

Some of the projects include:

• redevelopment of the National Slate Museum, Llanberis
• renovation of Yr Aelwyd building in Blaenau Ffestiniog
• significant conservation work on Penrhyn Quarry Hospital, Bethesda
• town centre improvements such as public art, street furniture and interpretation schemes
• community resources: multi-use play area in Blaenau Ffestiniog, upgrading the Crazy Golf in Porthmadog and outdoor gym in Llanberis

 Cyngor Gwynedd is also proud of its partnership with Cadw and the designation of the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward, with Caernarfon Castle and Harlech Castle attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.

Councillor Medwyn Hughes, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for Economy and Community, said:

"We are extremely proud of our UNESCO World Heritage designations here in Gwynedd.  A visitor economy in the interests and well-being of the people, environment, language and culture of Gwynedd and Eryri is at the heart of our Sustainable Visitor Economy Plan 2035. 

"The visitor economy is very important to this special area, but we also want to ensure that the area and its special qualities are protected and safeguarded – so that what is so unique about the area is preserved for today and future generations.  UNESCO status is an additional tool to ensure that, together, we and our partners manage our sites in a sustainable way for generations to come.

"The designation has been a catalyst for economic and social regeneration in our communities, boosting them to take pride in their heritage, while also making a visual difference in the heart of the slate communities."

For more information about The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site and how to visit the attractions safely, go to: www.llechi.cymru