Activities Raise Awareness About the Grand Pré Landscape

A symposium about the heritage of water and a day of community events highlight Nomination Grand Pré efforts to keep the public informed about its work to designate the area as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As of today, April 14, the public can now access copies of the group's proposal to UNESCO online, in English and French, and this weekend will feature events to raise awareness about the Grand Pré landscape.

"These activities show that Nomination Grand Pré is committed to raising awareness about the importance of the area's landscape," said David Wilson, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. "As a partner in the nomination process, we appreciate their efforts to engage the community."

Canada submitted the proposal to the World Heritage Committee Feb. 1. It highlights the agricultural value of the Grand Pré dykelands and the symbolic importance of the landscape to Acadians worldwide. A decision from the World Heritage Committee is expected in July 2012, after the committee has reviewed the proposal and a team of international experts visits the site this spring.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the International Council on Monuments and Sites have designated April 18 as the International Day for Monuments and Sites to celebrate and help protect the world's heritage, which contributes to a broader understanding of human diversity.

To recognize the day, Nomination Grand Pré will host Heritage of Water, a public symposium Saturday at the KC Irving Environmental Science Centre at Acadia University in Wolfville. Guest speakers will explore the topics of water as landscapes, water as a way of life and water as transportation.

A day of community events will take place Sunday at the Grand Pré National Historic Site of Canada. Events include a multimedia presentation on the Age of Sail, sampling of local foods, a vocal performance by the Shantymen choir, and a screening of the One land. Many stories. A shared legacy. video compilation.

For more information on the symposium and community events and to view the nomination proposal, visit www.nominationgrandpre.ca .