Two Canadian UNESCO Geoparks cautioned to make improvements or risk losing status
Two unique areas of Atlantic Canada have been recognized for their geological significance and designated as UNESCO Global Geoparks, attracting visitors from around the world. However, these parks are now at risk of losing their rare status if they do not make significant changes.
The Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark, located on the north shore of the Minas Basin in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, is one of the parks facing potential revocation of its UNESCO designation. Anna Hergert, the owner of Tide Rollers and Mudlarkers, a local tour company, expressed her concerns about the future of her business if the park loses its status. She moved to the area specifically because of the UNESCO designation and the unique geological features it offers.
Geoparks are regions with internationally important geology that tell the story of Earth’s history and allow local and Indigenous communities to showcase their culture. The Cliffs of Fundy and the Discovery Geopark in Newfoundland and Labrador were both designated in 2020 but have been cautioned to make improvements to maintain their status. The Percé Geopark in Quebec, which received its designation in 2018, has already implemented changes to secure its status for another four years.
The revalidation process for UNESCO Global Geoparks is rigorous, with independent evaluators conducting site visits and providing recommendations for improvement. Parks that receive a yellow card have two years to make changes before potentially losing their status. In 2023, Cliffs of Fundy and Discovery received visits from evaluators, and in July 2024, they are expecting additional visits to assess progress on implementing recommendations.
The Cliffs of Fundy is known for its towering cliffs, the highest tides in the world, and the oldest dinosaur bones in Canada. The park received 10 recommendations for improvement, including securing funding, enhancing signage, improving infrastructure, and sharing the area’s geological story more effectively. Devin Trefry, the park’s managing director, acknowledged the challenges of achieving these changes but emphasized the positive impact of the UNESCO designation on the region’s profile and tourism.
The Discovery Geopark in Newfoundland’s Bonavista Peninsula also received recommendations for improvement, including expanding the network of geosites and developing new interpretive sites. Shawna Prince, the park’s chair and a local resident, highlighted the importance of community involvement and collaboration in implementing changes to meet UNESCO’s high standards.
UNESCO emphasized that recommendations are meant to support parks in maintaining high standards rather than as punitive measures. Osric Parry-Canet, Percé’s science and education manager, advised Cliffs of Fundy and Discovery to continue working with their communities and showcasing the significance of their geological features to UNESCO. By demonstrating the value of the geopark designation, these parks can secure their status and continue to attract visitors from around the world.
