Province Supports Joggins' Efforts to Become World Heritage Site

TOURISM/CULTURE--Province Supports Joggins' Efforts to Become World Heritage Site

The province is bringing the Joggins Fossil Cliffs one step closer to World Heritage status. The Department of Tourism and Culture contributed $25,000 to the project today, Feb. 28.

"The province is proud to offer its support," said MLA Murray Scott, who presented the cheque to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs World Heritage Committee in Springhill on behalf of Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald. "This project will help protect our world-class fossil resource and share its richness with our visitors."

In January, members of the Joggins Fossil Cliffs World Heritage Committee unveiled plans for future infrastructure at the site and sketches of interpretative buildings. The focus is currently on selecting the best land to develop.

"This money will be used for a land assessment study," said Mr. Scott. "Before the land can be developed for visitors, we need to make sure the water and soil are not contaminated and that the shoreline is accessible."

The committee will issue a call for proposals inviting submissions from those interested in carrying out the study.

"Determining whether or not the land is suitable is a significant starting point that moves us closer and closer to actual construction," said Rhonda Kelly, member of the committee and executive director of the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association (CREDA). "Constructing appropriate, relevant infrastructure is a key component of our World Heritage Site application."

The Department of Tourism and Culture also invested about $10,000 in the Joggins project through its Tourism Development program.