Niagara Peninsula Aims for Ontario’s First UNESCO Global Geopark Designation

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Geopark designation will increase tourism to the area and shine worldwide consideration on the Niagara Peninsula and the Greenbelt

Oshawa, April 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TORONTO, April 22, 2022—With assist from the Greenbelt Basis, Niagara Peninsula Aspiring World Geopark (NPAGG) is aiming to safe a UNESCO World Geopark designation and has developed a broad partnership that features tourism, conservation, tutorial, agricultural and Indigenous organizations. Following approval, the Niagara Peninsula will develop into Ontario’s first UNESCO World Geopark and the sixth in Canada.  

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“This thrilling venture displays the in depth geological websites discovered within the Peninsula, together with the southern finish of the long-lasting Niagara Escarpment and may improve significant visits to the Greenbelt and assist rural tourism and pandemic restoration,” says Edward McDonnell, CEO of the Greenbelt Basis. “A primary in Ontario, the Niagara Peninsula Geopark will improve native and ultimately worldwide guests whereas enhancing understanding of those lands and why they’re protected.” 

Outlined by the United Nations Instructional, Scientific and Cultural Group (UNESCO), Geoparks are standard tourism locations with measurable impacts. Certification is probably going in 2023, constructing on preparations over the previous two-years.  

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Geo-tourism is a niche-market that has grown internationally for 20 plus years and may provide a lift to Greenbelt customer visitors and financial impression. Stonehammer Geopark in New Brunswick continues to extend customer numbers 5 years after certification, with tourism revenues rising by 6.4 per cent ($252 million). 

“Niagara’s wealthy geological and cultural heritage is a narrative price telling. Having the Greenbelt Basis as our Sustainable Prosperity Accomplice will assist us inform this story to each native and worldwide audiences, whereas bringing consideration to the innovation and successes of sustainable companies working throughout the area,” says Perry Hartwick, Chair of the Board of the Niagara Peninsula Geopark. “By celebrating and defending our collective geoheritage, we are able to deliver financial prosperity to our communities, encourage a way of place throughout Niagara, and encourage additional improvement in a means that respects the place that we name residence.”   

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The Niagara Peninsula Aspiring World Geopark (NPAGG) will assist to create and develop sustainable tourism experiences throughout Niagara, by leveraging key partnerships with vacation spot advertising organizations, companies, governments, colleges, secondary academic establishments, nature golf equipment, and sports activities teams. 

A Niagara Peninsula Geopark will improve native and ultimately worldwide visits to the Greenbelt and improve understanding of those lands and why they’re protected. Signage and programming will strengthen the affiliation between the Niagara Escarpment, specialty crop lands, and the Greenbelt for residents of southern Ontario. 

Challenge companions embody Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Niagara School, Nice Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls Water Resort, Arterra Wines, Willowbank Faculty for Restoration Arts, and Higher Canada Stone. 

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To learn a Backgrounder with additional data, please click on HERE.  

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 About Greenbelt Basis:  

Greenbelt Basis is a charitable group, solely devoted to making sure the Greenbelt stays everlasting, protected and affluent. We make the suitable investments in its interconnected pure, agricultural, and financial methods, to make sure a working, thriving Greenbelt for all. Ontario’s Greenbelt is the world’s largest, with over two million acres of farmland, forests, wetlands and rivers working collectively to supply clear air, recent water, and a dependable native meals supply.  

About Geoparks:  

UNESCO World Geoparks, worldwide, are single unified geographical areas, the place websites and landscapes of worldwide geological significance are managed with a holistic idea of safety, training and sustainable improvement. Geoparks not solely inform a part of the historical past of the planet but additionally have fun how our geological heritage is linked to all different kinds of heritage. This types the idea of group empowerment and the promotion of the realm’s sustainable financial improvement. 

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A UNESCO World Geopark is just not a proper legislative designation, nor a brand new class of protected space or panorama. There are not any restrictions on any financial exercise contained in the World Geopark the place exercise complies with indigenous, native, regional, provincial and nationwide laws.  

Greenbelt Basis Media Contact:  

Petronilla Ndebele, Director of Strategic Communications 
(416) 960-0001 Extension 306 
media@greenbelt.ca  

Geoparks Media Contact: 

Bonnie Baker, Communications and Social Media Coordinator 
discover@niagarageopark.com       
discover@niagarageopark.com 

Greenbelt Basis Social Media:  

Web site: greenbelt.ca   
Instagram: @ongreenbelt  
Twitter: @greenbeltca  
Fb: Ontario Greenbelt  

Geoparks Social Media: 

Web site: https://niagarageopark.com 
Social Media Accounts: https://linktr.ee/niagarageopark