The Honourable Chris Tibbs, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, today commemorated the 10th anniversary of Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve’s inscription to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
To celebrate, Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve staff and Mistaken Point Cape Race Heritage Incorporated hosted a special event at the Portugal Cove South Town Hall. The event, with support from the Provincial Government, featured special guests, cultural presentations and musical performances.
Mistaken Point UNESCO World Heritage Site contains the world’s largest and oldest known collection of complex marine fossils from the Ediacaran Period. Dating back 565 million years, over 10,000 fossil specimens are evidence of the life forms that once inhabited our planet over half a billion years ago. Mistaken Point marks the moment in evolutionary history when life expanded from single-celled organisms to more complex structures.
The site received UNESCO World Heritage status on July 17, 2016, nearly 60 years after its discovery in 1967. This discovery marked the first recorded occurrence of complex life forms from the Ediacaran Period in the Western Hemisphere.
The recognition of Mistaken Point as a site of outstanding universal value would not have been made possible without the efforts of residents, volunteers, academics, public service employees, and community partners such as Mistaken Point Cape Race Heritage Incorporated and Mistaken Point Ambassadors Incorporated.
Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. In 2025, close to 9,000 visitors toured the Mistaken Point Interpretation Centre and over 2,700 took part in guided tours to the fossil-bearing rocks at Mistaken Point.
UNESCO World Heritage designation is among the most prestigious recognition a site can receive and is reserved for places of universal cultural, historical, and/or scientific significance. Canada is home to 22 UNESCO sites, including four in Newfoundland and Labrador: Gros Morne National Park, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve, and Red Bay Basque Whaling Station.
Quotes
“Today marks a historic day for Newfoundland and Labrador, especially the Town of Portugal Cove South, and the individuals and groups who have worked so hard over the past several decades to establish and sustain Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve. I am pleased to acknowledge the site’s 10th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and encourage residents to visit and tour this world-class ecological site.”
Honourable Chris Tibbs
Minister of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change
“Mistaken Point is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most remarkable tourism and heritage destinations. As we celebrate 10 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we recognize the partners and community champions who have helped share this globally significant place with visitors from around the world.”
Honourable Andrea Barbour
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“July 17, 2016, marked one of the most significant achievements for the Town of Portugal Cove South, as we partnered with all involved to have Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2026 marks 10 years of welcoming and sharing this outstanding universal site with people from all over the world. The Town of Portugal Cove South would like to congratulate all involved and acknowledge Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve staff, Mistaken Point Cape Race Heritage Inc. and all volunteer members.”
Rowena Nichol
Mayor of the Town of Portugal Cove South
“On behalf of Mistaken Point Cape Race Heritage Incorporated, we are honoured to join residents, partners and visitors in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Mistaken Point’s UNESCO World Heritage designation. This milestone recognizes not only the outstanding universal value of the fossils preserved here, but also the dedication of the local people, volunteers, researchers and partners who have worked for decades to protect, promote and share this remarkable place with the world. We look forward to continuing that stewardship so future generations can experience and appreciate Mistaken Point’s unique natural, cultural and historic legacy.”
Gertie Molloy
Chairperson of Mistaken Point Cape Race Heritage Incorporated
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Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve
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