BONAVISTA, N.L. — In efforts to become recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark destination, the Discovery Aspiring Geopark Inc. (DAGI) is half-a-million dollars richer as it continues its path to certification.
In an announcement on March 8, the federal and provincial government contributed funding — $386,750 and $148,750, respectively — to DAGI. The federal portion of the funding is through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and is non-repayable.
The funding announcement was made at the College of the North Atlantic Bonavista campus.
DAGI has been planning possible UNESCO certification for more than 10 years now and is currently developing five sites of geological importance on the Bonavista Peninsula, which will be part of the 10 sites identified in the region for its UNESCO Global Geopark application. Project activities include installing interpretive 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.
DAGI board member Marilyn Coles-Hayley says the funding will go towards “increased branded interpretation at geosites and creating marketing and promotional materials.”
This funding comes after the federal government contributed $104,412 and the province contributed $95,118 in 2017 for the first five sites out of 10.
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One step closer for Discovery Aspiring Geopark
Bonavista Peninsula Geopark at a glance
• The Geopark would include the upper half of the Bonavista Peninsula;
• 1,150 square kilometres;
• 280 kilometres of coastline;
• 27 communities—seven incorporated municipalities;
• 8,000 inhabitants;
• Elevation as high as 350 metres.
Information courtesy of Discovery Aspiring Geopark Inc.
