The Percé Geopark Becomes a Unesco Global Geopark

PERCÉ, QC, April 17, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Commission for UNESCO and the Percé Geopark are pleased to announce that the Geopark has just received the prestigious designation of UNESCO Global Geopark. This designation recognizes sites around the world, which, like Percé and its magnificent Rock, represent geological heritage of outstanding international importance. The City of Percé is now host to the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Quebec and the third in Canada. The official request to obtain this designation was submitted by the Gaspé Peninsula group in 2016.

"We are proud to welcome a new member to our Canadian network which already includes two UNESCO Global Geoparks:  Stonehammer in New Brunswick, and Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia. As spectacular reminders of the diversity of our natural heritage, geoparks play a key role in preserving, showcasing and sustainably developing regions with a unique geological character. Through their educational mission, geoparks transmit knowledge about geological history and the heritage of the territory in question from generations to come."  - Christina Cameron, President, Canadian Commission for UNESCO.

"The Percé Geopark organization is honoured to receive this designation and now be included in the extensive UNESCO Global Geopark Network. We welcome this news with a renewed determination to ensure that the entire community benefits from the geopark designation. We now hope to develop our educational programs further and encourage local, sustainable development." - Renaud Camirand, Executive Director, Percé Geopark

"It is truly a great honour for Percé to become a member of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network. This prestigious designation confirms that the site possesses internationally significant geological heritage. I'm convinced that the Percé Geopark organization will mobilize the entire community to spare no effort in promoting this new status far and wide. The organization's wish to continue developing thematic partnerships with various local actors in the coming years seems, in my view, to bode very well for the future of the Greater Percé region." - Cathy Poirier, outgoing Percé Geopark President and Mayor of Percé

The Percé UNESCO Global Geopark is situated on the eastern edge of the Gaspé Peninsula in eastern Quebec. Percé ? located in the heart of the enormous orogenic Appalachian mountain range that contains the Atlantic Watershed of the North American continent ? witnessed the beginning of geology in Canada since it was in this region that Sir William Logan, the first Director of the Geological Commission of Canada, began the geological mapping of the country.

The mission of the Percé UNESCO Global Geopark is to protect its territory, while educating visitors and raising awareness about the environment. The territory possesses rich historical, geological and cultural heritage: historic buildings, an extensive network of hiking trails and various sites of geological significance (including Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island).

Many artists and craftspeople actively contribute to the region's reputation and vitality. Located on the traditional territory of the Mi'kmaq people, Percé has witnessed a broad swath of their history. The Geopark strives to showcase this rich history in its activities and attractions.

The Percé community is extremely involved in its Geopark, a local initiative in which the business community invested in a cooperative venture. It is therefore with shared pride and a positive vision of the future that the Percé Geopark assumes the UNESCO Global Geopark designation.

About the Canadian Commission for UNESCO

The Canadian Commission for UNESCO serves as a bridge between Canadians and the vital work of UNESCO ? the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. By promoting UNESCO values, priorities and programs in Canada and by bringing the voices of Canadian experts to the international stage, the Commission contributes to a peaceful, equitable and sustainable future that leaves no behind.

About the Coopérative de solidarité du Géoparc de Percé

The Coopérative de solidarité du Géoparc de Percé manages the Percé UNESCO Global Geopark, which is located on the eastern edge of the Gaspé Peninsula in eastern Quebec, Canada. The cooperative originated with the wish of Percé residents to make the world more aware of the region's remarkable local geology. The site's principal attraction, Percé Rock, is a starting point for learning more about 500 million years of the Earth's history.

SOURCE Geoparc Mondial Unesco de Percé