NLIS 4
May 3, 2004
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
(Environment and Conservation)

 

Two sites in province listed for UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination

Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Paul Shelley and Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne today said they are pleased that two sites in the province have been tentatively listed for nomination by Canada for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The Red Bay National Historic Site and Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve are two of 11 sites in the country selected by Parks Canada for possible future consideration as World Heritage Sites.

"Having two of our provincial sites considered for UNESCO World Heritage status is indeed an honour and reflects the distinct culture and heritage in our province," said Minister Shelley. "This recognition of the unique value of our sites to global culture and heritage increases the province�s tourism potential. Our two current UNESCO sites - Gros Morne and L�Anse aux Meadows - attract tourists from around the world. The recognition and promotion of two additional sites for nomination creates greater awareness of our province and the many unique experiences it has to offer."

The Red Bay National Historic Site in Labrador recognizes the presence of the early European whaling and fishing industry in North America. The site is protected and managed under the National Historic Sites Program. The site marks the history of a thriving industry based on the production of whale oil for export to Europe developed along the Labrador coast during the mid to late 1500s. The busiest port for this enterprise was the sheltered harbour of Red Bay. Right and bowhead whales, once plentiful in the waters of coastal Labrador, attracted whalers from the Basque country (northern Spain and southern France) during the 16th century. The site is also important to the overall preservation of the rich archaeological heritage of the Labrador Straits area.

The Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve near Cape Race preserves an outstanding and diverse early fossil record of animal evolution 575 million years ago. The site is protected and managed under the province�s Ecological Reserves Program. The Mistaken Point Fossil assemblage of eastern Newfoundland and Labrador is the oldest diverse assemblage of complex multicellular organisms found anywhere in the world to date. Fossils are preserved in large beds along the sea cliffs of the Avalon Peninsula. Queen�s University is currently studying the Mistaken Point assemblage, with several professors and graduate students engaged in studies of the taxonomy and ecology of these ancient organisms. This work is a critical part of local efforts to obtain status as an UNESCO World Heritage Site for this unique example of early life.

"Government is committed to protecting and enhancing our environment and natural heritage, which includes the protection of our sensitive and representative ecosystems," said Minister Osborne. "Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve is a phenomenal fossil site that is truly unique and of national and global significance. We are honoured that this site has been nominated for such prestigious recognition."

UNESCO asked its member countries to update their tentative lists of possible future nominees for consideration as World Heritage Sites. With the help of leading Canadian experts in the field and through consultations with a variety of parties, a total of 11 qualified sites were selected. Both the Red Bay National Historic Site and Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve were nominated by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

To be considered for nomination, sites must meet at least one of six cultural criteria or at least one of four natural criteria identified by the World Heritage Committee and meet qualifying conditions of authenticity and integrity. Site owners must also demonstrate an ability to manage the site over the long term. Based on independent expert advice and the results of consultations with municipal governments, local Members of Parliament, business representatives and residents in those communities where sites are being seriously considered for Canada�s tentative list, the minister responsible for Parks Canada, David Anderson, selected the sites that comprise Canada�s tentative list. Canada is now in a position to nominate any one of these sites for consideration as a World Heritage Site over a 10-year period beginning in 2005.

"Our government was pleased to submit these two sites for consideration for UNESCO designation and we look forward to working with Parks Canada on the upcoming UNESCO designation process," said Minister Shelley. "During the coming months, we will compile the necessary documentation and work with Parks Canada to advance nominations for both Red Bay and Mistaken Point."

Since ratification of the World Heritage Convention in 1976, Canada has been very active in supporting this global initiative. Under the convention, some 730 locations around the world have been designated as World Heritage Sites. Thirteen are found in Canada. Two of the 13 are found in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media contact:

Tansy Mundon, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, (709) 729-0928

Sonia Glover, Environment and Conservation, (709) 729-2575

2004 05 03                                       11:45 a.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement