Environment and Conservation
June 1, 2016
Protecting Our Province’s Natural Heritage
Mistaken Point Moves Closer to Becoming a World Heritage Site
The Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve is one step closer to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has announced that they are recommending Mistaken Point be inscribed to the World Heritage List when the World Heritage Committee meets this summer.
“Once again our province’s natural heritage stands to be recognized on the international stage. The success of this nomination to date is the result of countless hours of hard work by the many staff and volunteers who are dedicated to the protection and preservation of the fossils at Mistaken Point. They are to be congratulated for their efforts.”
- The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Conservation
Originally established in 1987, the reserve at Mistaken Point protects fossils of the oldest-known, large complex life forms found on Earth.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has partnered with the Mistaken Point Ambassadors Inc. and Parks Canada to advance the nomination of the site to the World Heritage Committee.
“Newfoundland and Labrador is a tourism destination rich in its cultural heritage and natural environment and known for its landscapes and seascapes. Our existing three UNESCO sites are internationally-recognized tourism icons in the province and are major travel generators for non-resident visitation. We remain optimistic that Mistaken Point will be named the province’s fourth UNESCO site, providing increased interest in our province as a tourism destination.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
The final decision on inscription of Mistaken Point as a World Heritage Site will take place when the World Heritage Committee meets in Istanbul, Turkey in July.
More information about Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve can be found in the backgrounder below.
QUICK FACTS
- Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve has been recommended by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature for inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador partnered with the Mistaken Point Ambassadors Inc. and Parks Canada to nominate the site for this international recognition.
- The World Heritage Committee will make its final decision in Istanbul, Turkey in July.
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Media contacts:
|
Emily Timmins Director of Communications Department of Environment and Conservation 709-729-2575, 693-1292 emilytimmins@gov.nl.ca |
Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Mistaken Point Nomination Bid
Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve is located southeast of Portugal Cove South on the southern tip of the Avalon Peninsula. The exquisitely preserved fossils found at the site are dated between 580 and 560 million years old making them the oldest-known, large complex life forms found on Earth and a critical milestone in the history of life on Earth.
Under the World Heritage Convention, UNESCO's goal is to ensure conservation of the world's natural and cultural heritage and encourage local participation in the preservation of that heritage.
The World Heritage Committee decides which heritage sites are inscribed on the World Heritage List, reviews the state of conservation of existing sites, allocates financial assistance through the World Heritage Fund, requests that participating States Parties take action to enhance the protection and management of threatened World Heritage Sites, and reports its findings to the General Conference of UNESCO.
Canada’s existing World Heritage Sites:
- L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nahanni National Park, Northwest Territories
- Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta
- Kluane/Wrangell - St.Elias/Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini-Alsek, Yukon and British Columbia (and Alaska)
- Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, Alberta and British Columbia
- SGang Gwaay, British Columbia
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Alberta
- Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta and Northwest Territories
- Historic District of Old Québec, Québec
- Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Old Town Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
- Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Alberta (and Montana)
- Miguasha National Park, Québec
- Rideau Canal, Ontario
- Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Nova Scotia
- Landscape of Grand Pré, Nova Scotia
- Red Bay Basque Whaling Station, Newfoundland and Labrador
2016 06 01 11:40 a.m.