UNESCO names Stonehammer in N.B. a ‘global geopark’

The Stonehammer Geopark in New Brunswick has become the first North American member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-supported Global Geoparks Network (GGN). The announcement was made early October at the 9th annual European geoparks conference in Lesvos, Greece, by the GGN Bureau. The GGN now has 77 members in 24 countries throughout Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, the Middle East and now North America.

“The designation of the Stonehammer Geopark as North America’s first global geopark is a wonderful recognition of the significant geological heritage of the region, as well as its great potential for sustainable economic development,” said Godfrey Nowlan, chair of the Canadian National Committee for Geoparks.

“The success of this project is due in part to the incredible community support which we have received,” said Bill Merrifield, chair of the Stonehammer board. “The range of organizations, provincial and municipal governments, businesses and individuals who have engaged in this project was identified by the GGN Bureau as one of the major assets of the Stonehammer Geopark application.”

Stonehammer encompasses 2,500 sq. km of land in southern New Brunswick, stretching from Lepreau Falls to Norton, Saint John and Grand Bay-Westfield to St. Martin’s. The geology of the geopark encompasses a billion years and has been studied for almost 200 years. The region has a cultural heritage, as well as active educational, tourism and community development sectors.

“The range of significant geological and paleontological stories within the geopark is internationally unique,” noted Randall Miller, New Brunswick Museum’s curator and the initiator of the Stonehammer project. “As a founding member of the project, the New Brunswick Museum is very pleased to have the Stonehammer Geopark accepted into the GGN, and to be able to share these stories with residents as well as tourists from around the globe.”