Nova ScotiaNova Scotia’s Cliffs of Fundy Geopark has regained its full status as a UNESCO Global Geopark for another four years.‘So much heart and soul has gone into these dreams of these geoparks’Massive cliffs tower over the shore near the Cape d’Or Lighthouse, near Advocate Harbour, N.S. (Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press)Nova Scotia’s Cliffs of Fundy Geopark has regained its full status as a UNESCO Global Geopark for another four years.An assessment in 2023 by independent evaluators in 2023 determined the site needed to make improvements, moving its UNESCO status from so-called green card to yellow card.John Calder, who grew up in Cumberland County and is the Canadian representative for the Global Geoparks Network, said the warning galvanized the community.Calder said Cliffs of Fundy was given 10 recommendations, ranging from securing more funding and improving structures to formalizing partnerships.”It brings attention to the beauty and culture of this area,” he said of the importance of the designation. “It presents an opportunity for the region to develop, to celebrate, to be proud of what they have.”Most goals metCalder was reached Sunday at the international conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks in Chile. The council that oversees geoparks announced that Cliffs of Fundy had achieved most of the goals and that the remaining ones were partially achieved. It recommended that the park be given back its green card.”The report was so positive, and the council was amazed at the progress made in just two short years,” said Calder, who attended the meeting as an observer.A view from Wasson Bluff at the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Geopark in Nova Scotia. (Kayla Hounsell/CBC)Newfoundland and Labrador’s Discovery Geopark, which also faced the loss of its status after a 2023 assessment, successfully met its targets as well. With both in good standing, all five Canadian geoparks have full status.”It was very emotional because so much heart and soul has gone into these geopark dreams in small rural communities in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland,” Calder said, adding that the UNESCO designation puts the regions on the map and draws tourism revenue.Calder says the next step is a ratification by UNESCO of the council’s decision, which he says is mostly guaranteed. Geological, cultural significanceUNESCO Global Geoparks are sites of both geological and cultural significance, and the Cliffs of Fundy is no exception. It is home to the world’s highest tides, which can rise more than 16 metres, as well as rock formations that record the breakup of the supercontinent Pangea.The area is also recognized for its rich Mi’kmaw history.Calder said the next assessments are for Tumbler Ridge Geopark in British Columbia and Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark in New Brunswick, both of which are currently in good standing. ABOUT THE AUTHORGiuliana is a journalist originally from Lima, Peru. She is interested in stories about rural Nova Scotia, science, the environment and more. If you have any story tips, you can reach her at giuliana.grillo.de.lambarri@cbc.ca.
Cliffs of Fundy secures UNESCO ‘green card’ for another four years
