Federal and provincial governments support DAGI's efforts to obtain UNESCO Global Geopark status
March 8, 2019 – Bonavista, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The tourism industry is a key economic driver in Atlantic Canada, generating new opportunities for sustainable economic growth, diversifying communities and creating well-paying jobs for middle class families in big cities and small towns.
Recognizing the opportunities for continued tourism growth on the Bonavista Peninsula, Discovery Aspiring Geopark Inc. (DAGI) is further developing the region's rich geological and cultural heritage with a goal to establish a geopark and achieve UNESCO Global Geopark designation. Obtaining this prestigious designation would raise the area's geological significance on the world stage and advance the province's geotourism industry.
DAGI is currently developing five sites of geological importance, which will be part of the 10 sites identified in the region for its UNESCO Global Geopark application. Project activities include installing interpretative signs, developing promotional materials and marketing tools and creating educational materials on the area's geology. This initiative also involves community engagement activities, securing sponsorships, professional development and training at national and international conferences, and hosting a UNESCO evaluation site visit.
The Government of Canada is providing a non-repayable contribution totaling $386,750 and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $148,750 for this project.
Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII), made the announcement today.
These investments build on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the region's tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs. This bold approach is in line with Canada's Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
