College welcomes community partners seeking UNESCO Global Geopark designation for Niagara Peninsula

Niagara College kicked off Earth Day on April 22 hosting a special announcement at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake in support of the Niagara Peninsula Aspiring Global Geopark (NPAGG).

NPAGG is seeking UNESCO Global Geopark designation for the Niagara Peninsula by 2023 to advance sustainable tourism in the area. The designation is given to single, unified geographical areas with sites and landscapes of international geological significance. Since Geoparks are popular tourist destinations, an official designation would position Niagara as a key destination for eco-tourism and geo-heritage, helping to increase local and international visits to the area.

“We’re using geology and science to bolster sustainable tourism,” said NPAGG Chair and Resident Geologist Perry Hartwick, who emceed the event.

The designation would be the first for Ontario and the sixth in Canada. To support the Geopark application, NPAGG has developed partnerships with academic, tourism, conservation, agricultural and Indigenous organizations. Niagara College, which is among NPAGG’s list of community supporters, is considered a Bedrock Partner of the initiative.

While offering host remarks, NC President Sean Kennedy noted how NPAGG resonates with the College’s vision and shared how Social Inclusion and Environmental Sustainability are one of the key areas of focus in NC’s newly launched Strategic Plan.

Read the full article here: https://www.niagaracollege.ca/insidenc/2022/04/26/college-welcomes-community-partners-seeking-unesco-global-geopark-designation-for-niagara-peninsula/