Joggins Fossil Institute Celebrates Double Recognition

December 8th, 2008

The Joggins Fossil Institute was celebrating again last week when it was recognised for its innovation in contributing to Nova Scotia’s unique Tourism product offering.

The Crystal Tourism Award for Innovation was presented to Jenna Boon, Director and Gerald Read, Chairman of the Joggins Fossil Institute Association Board. The award ceremony took place following the TIANS (Tourism Association of Nova Scotia) Summit in Halifax on 2nd December.

The award recognises the work, of many, which has led to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs being inscribed onto the World Heritage List and to the site becoming one of the most outstanding Natural Heritage Tourism Sites in the world. Referred to as the 'Coal-Age Galapagos' the Joggins Fossil Cliffs contain an unrivalled fossil record preserved in its environmental context, which represents the finest example in the world of the terrestrial tropical environment and ecosystems of the Pennsylvanian 'Coal Age' of the Earth's history.

"We are delighted to add this award to our other accolades, which include: the Community Collaboration Award in 2007 and the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Architecture in 2008." said Jenna Boon. "We are also tremendously excited that the Joggins Fossil Cliffs will feature on the cover of the 2009 edition of the Doers and Dreamers Guide."

It was during the conference that the announcement was made by the Minister for Tourism; Bill Dooks that the decision had been made to feature the Joggins Fossil Cliffs on the cover of Nova Scotia's main tourism publication. Boon continued; "This represents an important milestone in the recognition of the area around Joggins as a significant player in the Province’s tourism industry, and we are confident that it will inspire future investment in the local infrastructure."

TIANS mandate is to lead, support, represent and enhance Nova Scotia’s tourism industry. TIANS is the provincial advocate for the Nova Scotia tourism industry and strives to enhance the industry's competitiveness and prosperity through increased professionalism and product development. In accomplishing this goal, TIANS works closely with many partners, regional and sector associations and all levels of government.

For more information on the Joggins Fossil Institute, please contact:

Melanie Cookson-Carter, Operations Coordinator Joggins Fossil Institute 100 Main Street, Joggins, NS, B0L 1A0 Tel: 902-251-2727 Email: operations@jogginsfossilcliffs.net For more information in TIANS or the Awards, please contact:

Ms. Darlene Grant Fiander, President Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia 1099 Marginal Rd, Suite 201 Halifax NS B3H 4P7 Phone: (902) 423-4480 Toll Free: 1 800-948-4267 Fax: (902) 422-0184 www.tians.org