The Kerry Biosphere Reserve, in conjunction with Killarney Hotels Ltd., is today launching a competition aimed at designing a new logo that will promote the Biosphere both at home and abroad. Although fast approaching its 40th birthday it is only in the last 12 months that the Kerry Biosphere Reserve has had a dedicated officer to promote the actions in support of the UNESCO designation.
Speaking at the launch of the competition, the Managing Director at Killarney Hotels Ltd Adrian Stehr said that Killarney Hotels Ltd. are delighted to be supporting this competition for the design of a unique logo for the Kerry UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. “The landscape, environment and heritage of Kerry has drawn people to the area for generations and to have a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve signifies how precious that it is, not just to us here in Kerry but on a global scale” he said.
Biosphere Reserves are described by UNESCO as learning places for sustainable development. There has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Kerry since 1982 however the area included has since been increased to fit the expanded criteria for a Biosphere Reserve set by the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme.
The Kerry Biosphere Reserve is home to Ireland’s highest mountain range, the MacGillycuddy Reeks and includes the Killarney National Park and the Paps mountain range in the east, known as Dá Chích Anann in Irish and named after an ancient goddess Anú described as the ‘mother of the gods’.
As support builds locally and nationally for the project, the Kerry Biosphere Reserve has issued an open call for a logo design to promote the Biosphere both at home and abroad. The competition is open to anyone with the skills and interest to create a logo that embodies the values of the Biosphere Reserve programme and the unique landscape and culture here in Kerry that has been awarded this accolade. The winner will receive a cash prize sponsored by Killarney Hotels Ltd and MD Adrian Stehr added that they are beyond excited that their hotels have now re-opened again and that we can share this unique and beautiful landscape and its natural heritage with all our guests. He said they look forward to working alongside the Kerry Biosphere Reserve to promote this area for sustainable tourism into the future.
Welcoming the support of Killarney Hotels Ltd for the competition, Kerry Biosphere Officer Eleanor Turner said that it is wonderful that as a business based in the Biosphere, they recognise its importance not just for their business but the region as a whole. She said that after what may be described one of the hardest years for the hospitality sector they are showing leadership in shaping a new future where people, nature and culture connect through their support for the competition.
The Logo competition will be open until September 30th after which a selection of entries will be shortlisted. The public will then be given the opportunity to vote for their favourite logo as designs will be on display in Killarney house alongside an art exhibition showcasing primary school students artwork inspired by the Kerry Biosphere Reserve.
The design brief is available to download in the Resources section of the website
