The Percé Geopark Becomes a UNESCO Global Geopark

Percé, April 17, 2018 – The Canadian Commission for UNESCO and the Percé Geopark are pleased to announce that the Geopark has just received the prestigious designation of UNESCO Global Geopark. This designation recognizes sites around the world, which, like Percé and its magnificent Rock, represent geological heritage of outstanding international importance. The City of Percé is now host to the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Quebec and the third in Canada. The official request to obtain this designation was submitted by the Gaspé Peninsula group in 2016.

The Percé UNESCO Global Geopark is situated on the eastern edge of the Gaspé Peninsula in eastern Quebec. Percé – located in the heart of the enormous orogenic Appalachian mountain range that contains the Atlantic Watershed of the North American continent – witnessed the beginning of geology in Canada since it was in this region that Sir William Logan, the first Director of the Geological Commission of Canada, began the geological mapping of the country.

The mission of the Percé UNESCO Global Geopark is to protect its territory, while educating visitors and raising awareness about the environment. The territory possesses rich historical, geological and cultural heritage: historic buildings, an extensive network of hiking trails and various sites of geological significance (including Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island).

Many artists and craftspeople actively contribute to the region’s reputation and vitality. Located on the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq people, Percé has witnessed a broad swath of their history. The Geopark strives to showcase this rich history in its activities and attractions.

The Percé community is extremely involved in its Geopark, a local initiative in which the business community invested in a cooperative venture. It is therefore with shared pride and a positive vision of the future that the Percé Geopark assumes the UNESCO Global Geopark designation.

About the Canadian Commission for UNESCO

The Canadian Commission for UNESCO serves as a bridge between Canadians and the vital work of UNESCO – the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. By promoting UNESCO values, priorities and programs in Canada and by bringing the voices of Canadian experts to the international stage, the Commission contributes to a peaceful, equitable and sustainable future that leaves no behind.

About the Coopérative de solidarité du Géoparc de Percé

The Coopérative de solidarité du Géoparc de Percé manages the Percé UNESCO Global Geopark, which is located on the eastern edge of the Gaspé Peninsula in eastern Quebec, Canada. The cooperative originated with the wish of Percé residents to make the world more aware of the region’s remarkable local geology. The site’s principal attraction, Percé Rock, is a starting point for learning more about 500 million years of the Earth’s history.

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