Strategic Investments Strengthen Province’s International Ecological Profile

$431,000 in Funding Supports Mistaken Point’s Bid for UNESCO Status

The Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve is in a better position to move forward with its bid to achieve United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Status as a result of a Provincial Government investment of $431,000. The announcement was made today at the Edge of Avalon Interpretive Centre by the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and MHA for Ferryland, on behalf of the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

“Mistaken Point’s fossils are some of the most unique in the world. Having such treasures right here in our own back yard not only makes us stewards of our ecological history, but custodians of world heritage as well. I am pleased with the work being done to ensure that the site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and I am confident that this $431,000 investment will assist with achieving that recognition.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation

This Provincial Government funding will support Mistaken Point Ambassadors Inc., an advocacy group working on behalf of the ecological reserve, to develop a comprehensive World Heritage Status nomination package. Nomination packages must adhere to strict requirements set out by the World Heritage Committee and require extensive documentation supporting the justification. An additional investment of $209,000 toward this initiative was announced yesterday through Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook.

“I am pleased to be part of this announcement in the District of Ferryland on the southern Avalon. The past number of years has seen significant commitment by the region and volunteers to continue to work toward UNESCO designation. The funding announcement further demonstrates our investment in the future cultural, heritage and economic development of the southern Avalon.”
- Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and MHA for Ferryland

The Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve is located east of Portugal Cove South on the tip of the Avalon Peninsula. The fossils found on the site are the oldest complex life forms found on earth and are remains of creatures that lived 575 to 542 million years ago.

“Listed as one of the seven sites on Canada’s World Heritage tentative list, Mistaken Point is home to some of the oldest fossils in the world and it’s important we preserve that area while recognizing the significance its history represents in our province.”
- The Honourable Joan Shea, Minister of Environment and Conservation

Fossils of similar age are found in Russia and Australia, however, the variety found at Mistaken Point makes the site unique. Additional information UNESCO can be found at: whc.unesco.org.

“Nominations for UNESCO status is a complex process requiring a great deal of work and community support. In order to assist with this process, Mistaken Point Ambassadors Inc. has received substantial assistance from the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. We are proud to be involved in sharing this unique fossil site with the world and the designation of Mistaken Point as an UNESCO site will prove to be significant to our commitment to stewardship and will also be an economic generator for our area and the province as a whole.”
- Loretta Ryan, Chairperson, Mistaken Point Ambassadors Inc.

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• Provincial Government funding totalling $431,000 will support the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve’s bid to achieve UNESCO World Heritage status.
• An additional investment of $209,000 toward the UNESCO bid was announced through Budget 2014.
• Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve is home to more than 30 species of ancient creatures, most being examples of creatures unknown in our modern world.
• There are currently three existing World Heritage Sites in Newfoundland and Labrador: Gros Morne National Park; L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site; and Red Bay National Historic Site. Additional information on UNESCO can be found at: whc.unesco.org.
• UNESCO's mission is to encourage international cooperation in the conservation of the world's cultural and natural heritage and inspire local participation in the preservation of that heritage.

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2014 03 28             2:00 p.m.