A unique design has been selected by popular vote as the new logo to represent the Kerry Biosphere Reserve.

NEW LOGO: Akos Csontos (third left) whose logo design has been selected by popular vote as the new logo to represent the Kerry Biosphere Reserve. Pictured from left: Eleanor Turner (Kerry Biosphere Reserve Officer) Noel Spillane (CEO South Kerry Development Partnership) Adrian Steher (Managing Director Killarney Hotels Ltd sponsor of the winning logo design). Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

The open competition received over 30 entries from designers all over the world. These were shortlisted by the Kerry Biosphere Management Committee made up of representatives from South Kerry Development Partnership, Kerry County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The three shortlisted designs were then put forward to a public vote held via social media in October 2021.

Akos Csontos, who has been living in Killarney for over 14 years, received 55% of the votes submitted and won a €500 cash prize that was kindly donated by the Killarney Hotels Group.

The new logo represents several key elements of the Kerry Biosphere Reserve.

"I have been always captivated by the natural beauty surrounding us here in Killarney and together with my beautiful wife Julia, our six-year-old son Logan and now nearly three-month-old new-born Layla, we always try to spend as much of our family time as possible in the Killarney parklands and Muckross woodland areas," he said.

"Up until December 2020 – when unfortunately, due to the pandemic my position has been made redundant - I had the pleasure to work as an in-house graphic designer and online content creator in one of Killarney’s five-star hotels. Due to its location right in the heart of Killarney National Park, I always felt even that much closer to nature as well and I think it is fair to say that all of Killarney and even greater Kerry residents are so lucky and truly privileged to call this little piece of heaven a home.

Needless to say, I was only delighted to come across the competition details online and I instantly felt connected with the call. In my approach to the logo - apart from the official requirements - I hoped to fit in as much of the core values as possible while maintaining a clean and modern look. I hope the Kerry Biosphere and its rebranding will be successful in raising more awareness on their mission to protect and preserve all this natural beauty, especially after some of the devastating events of last year with woodland fires or not to mention their ongoing battles with rhododendron. If my logo design aids just even that small step in achieving more visibility through their representation, I will feel truly honoured to have helped them along the way."

The competition was sponsored by Killarney Hotels limited who donated the prize money awarded to the selected entry.