The Nomination Process

In 1989, the Nova Scotia government designated Joggins a protected site under its Special Places Protection Act. In 1996, CREDA, and later, the Joggins Fossil Institute, united local residents, scientists, and all three levels of government to work towards the goal of having the famous Joggins Fossil Cliffs named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Institute's UNESCO submission also has a community development component — a new 13,000 square-foot environmentally friendly interpretative and research centre.

World Heritage Sites are cultural or natural properties recognized and protected because of their outstanding value to humanity. Inscription on the World Heritage List will ensure that the Joggins Fossil Cliffs earth science interests are properly recognized both in their own right and because of their important role within the region’s history and culture.

Dossier coverIn January 2007, the Joggins case was presented to UNESCO. To support their bid, the Joggins team was required to compile an extensive, multi-volume dossier for review on UNESCO's behalf by the IUCN (World Conservation Union) and their independent experts .

As part of an 18-month investigation, the Joggins Fossil Institute hosted the IUCN Field Mission in October 2007, where representatives of the World Conservation Union (IUCN), a UNESCO Advisory Body, visited and evaluated the nominated property.

More information on the Inscription of the property