Are you aged 18-24 and passionate about nature, heritage, community, climate action, or the great outdoors?
The Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark Youth Ambassador Programme is an exciting opportunity for young people to develop new skills, gain valuable experiences, connect with others from across the Geopark region, and become ambassadors for this internationally recognised landscape.
Participants will take part in a variety of hands-on activities and training opportunities, ranging from outdoor adventure and wildlife conservation to geology, climate action, community engagement, and environmental awareness. Through these experiences, you'll build confidence, learn from experts, and discover how you can play a role in protecting and promoting the unique natural and cultural heritage of Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark.
As part of the programme, we hope to establish a Geopark Youth Ambassador Forum, bringing together all successful participants to share ideas, contribute to future Geopark initiatives, and ensure young people's voices are represented within the organisation. Two Youth Ambassadors will also have the opportunity to represent Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark on the Landscapes NI Youth Forum, working alongside young people from protected landscapes across Northern Ireland.
This Expression of Interest form is designed to help us learn more about you, your interests, and why you would like to become a Youth Ambassador. No previous experience is required, just enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to get involved.
TheCuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Youthe Ambassador Programme is supported by Landscapes NI and funded by Action Renewables NI.
Submission closes: Friday 18th September 2026, 5pm.
What to Expect from the Programme
Successful applicants will take part in a series of workshops, training opportunities, field visits and outdoor experiences between October 2026 and February 2027. Activities are expected to take place across a mixture of weekdays, evenings and weekends.
The programme includes opportunities to:
- Explore the geology, landscapes and heritage of the Geopark
- Learn outdoor and environmental skills
- Take part in adventure and recreational activities
- Develop leadership, communication and ambassador skills
- Learn about climate action, biodiversity and sustainability
- Meet and learn from local organisations, experts and community groups
- Participate in volunteering and community engagement opportunities
- Connect with other young people from across the Geopark region
- Contribute to the development of a Geopark Youth Ambassador Forum
Please note that the programme is currently being finalised and activites may be subject to change.
Youth Ambassadors Commitments
We are looking for enthusiastic young people who are committed to making the most of this opportunity and representing Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark in a positive and professional manner.
Successful applicants will be expected to:
- Attend all programme activities and events wherever possible.
- Participate actively and engage positively with fellow ambassadors, programme partners and staff.
- Demonstrate an interest in the natural, cultural and geological heritage of the Geopark.
- Demonstrate respect for nature, wildlife, the environment, staff, programme partners and fellow Youth Ambassadors.
- Act as positive ambassadors for Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark.
- Share ideas, feedback and experiences throughout the programme.
- Be open to learning new skills and taking part in new experiences.
- Support the development of the Geopark Youth Ambassador Forum.
Attendance is an important part of the programme, and applicants should be available for the majority of activities between September 2026 and February 2027. We understand that work, study, family commitments or unforeseen circumstances may occasionally prevent attendance, and reasonable absences will be considered where advance notice is provided.