Discovery Geopark has become Newfoundland and Labrador’s first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized Global Geopark. With this distinction, Discovery Geopark becomes the fifth UNESCO Global Geopark in Canada, joining 161 other geosites to receive this recognition throughout the world.

Located on the tip of the Bonavista Peninsula, the Discovery Geopark covers approximately 280 kilometres of coastline from Southern Bay to Bonavista, with 10 developed geosites that showcase the region’s diverse geological, natural and cultural diversity. Two geosites in Port Union contain Ediacaran fossils – some nearly 600 million years old, while the geosite located at Murphy’s Cove to Lodge’s Pond Trail is where internationally renowned Haootia quadriformis was discovered. This is the first fossilized evidence of muscular tissue, and possibly the oldest animal fossil in the world. Haootia is currently on display at The Rooms provincial museum.

This announcement by UNESCO follows more than a decade of preparation by the Discovery Geopark committee, which has dedicated countless hours of time and resources toward planning, community outreach, research, and advocacy of geo-tourism. In addition to funding support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), this project received assistance from the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Memorial University.

UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.

Quotes
“Congratulations to the Discovery Geopark Board and staff for their efforts and hard work to have the geopark recognized by UNESCO. Solidifying this designation raises the area’s geological significance on the world stage, and compliments the many high quality tourism experiences already found on the Bonavista Peninsula.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

“I am pleased that the Provincial Government’s Geological Survey was able to provide technical support towards the efforts of the people from the Bonavista Peninsula area and their application for the Discovery Geopark to be designated a UNESCO Global Geopark. This designation will help inform people about the sustainable use and need for natural resources, while at the same time promoting respect for the environment and the integrity of the landscape. This complements our commitment to supporting the development of our geological resources in a responsible manner to the maximum benefit of our citizens.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Minister of Natural Resources

“The designation of the Discovery Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark is a huge step forward for tourism in this spectacular part of Newfoundland and Labrador. This international recognition will help even more visitors discover the Bonavista Peninsula and its many hidden gems, while supporting local tourism as it recovers from COVID-19. Our message to our tourism sector is clear: we’ve been here for you with immediate measures, we’re here for you now as our economy reopens and we’ll get through this together. We’re working with you to support good jobs and help tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador come back strong.”
Honourable Mélanie Joly
Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Our government is delighted that Discovery Geopark has received UNESCO Global Geopark status. We commend the organization, all partners, communities in the region and everyone who played a role in its quest to become a UNESCO Global Geopark – you should all be proud of such an amazing accomplishment. This special designation will promote the unique culture and geological heritage on the Bonavista Peninsula worldwide, attract more visitors to the region and help generate new opportunities for tourism and economic growth.”
Churence Rogers
Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity

“Congratulations to the Discovery Geopark board and committee members on receiving UNESCO Global Geopark status. This grass roots project has been led by volunteers from throughout the Bonavista region for over a decade. Representatives from our not-for-profit, business and municipal sectors have worked with all levels of government through invaluable investments of time and resources to solidify this incredible designation. Today this UNESCO brand inscription on the Bonavista Peninsula, adds another valuable piece to our ever-strengthening tourism offerings, while enhancing sustainable economic growth in a rural area. Once again the Bonavista Peninsula has a reason to celebrate as we are highlighted on the international stage.”
John Norman
Chair, Discovery Geopark

– 30 –

Learn more
Discovery Geopark
UNESCO Global Geoparks
Canadian Geoparks Network

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @TCII_GovNL

Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Lisa Lawlor
Natural Resources
709-729-5777, 631-8155
Lisalawlor@gov.nl.ca

Paul McGrath
ACOA NL
709-689-5731
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

John Norman
Discovery Geopark
709-468-8696
johnnorman21@gmail.com