Discovery Geopark, situated on the northern region of the Bonavista Peninsula in Newfoundland and Labrador, has successfully retained its designation as a Global Geopark by UNESCO. The park was initially recognized in 2020 for its remarkable rock formations and fossil discoveries. However, in June, UNESCO raised concerns that jeopardized its esteemed status.
Periodically, independent evaluators visit UNESCO Global Geoparks for an evaluation to determine their ongoing designation. Sites are awarded green, yellow, or red cards based on their compliance with UNESCO’s standards. A green card signifies renewal, while a yellow card indicates a two-year window for necessary improvements before facing a potential red card and subsequent loss of status.
Following UNESCO’s recommendations for Discovery Geopark to secure stable funding, establish a full-time staff, create a staff succession plan, enhance signage at inland geological sites, update branding, improve visitor safety measures, and collaborate on tourism initiatives, the park has successfully met these requirements. This compliance led to the reinstatement of its green card status during the recent evaluation in Chile.
The Geopark gained recognition in 2020 for its Ediacaran fossils, some of which are accessible from the Port Union boardwalk, showcasing organisms dating back approximately 560 million years. With its restored status, Discovery Geopark remains one of the five geoparks in Canada and among the 229 designated globally.