FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark (DGG) is pleased to announce it is officially the newest member of the growing family of UNESCO Global Geopark’s GEOfood movement – an initiative that is widespread throughout Europe and making its way across the Atlantic. Being part of a branded and copyrighted program created by the Magna UNESCO Global Geopark in Norway will be an excellent marketing tool for our Geopark businesses once international and national travel resumes.
Recognized by UNESCO Geopark territories, the GEOfood program criteria and guidelines can be adapted to fit the local food scene. The Geopark has an abundance of fish, berries, and forged products already available and when combined with our small manufacturing enterprises (SME’s) and the nearby agriculture scene in Lethbridge, we can now move forward to create GEOfood labels and a Geo-inspired menu program for local restaurants, accommodations, and tourism operators.
“Branding local food products with the Geofood label means supporting the Geopark’s local communities”, said Chair, John Norman. “By promoting sustainable food production activities in our local communities, we look to increase the awareness of the importance of the earth, our landscape, and our cultural heritage”.
As the first and only UNESCO Global Geopark currently in Newfoundland and Labrador, the importance of being part of the UNESCO brand has huge potential and we are excited about all the possibilities, said Cyndy Stead, Geopark Manager. Having a Global Geopark located on the Bonavista Peninsula shines a bright light on the region and as an organization, we look forward to working with all our partners to enhance our regional tourism product offerings.
Over the coming months, we will host a series of information sessions for local producers, harvesters, restauranteurs, grocery stores, food markets, and accommodation providers. Support of Magma’s GEOfood mission is a big first step and just one of many initiatives we are looking to develop as we move forward in support of Geotourism”, said Cyndy. “In doing so, we will look towards UNESCO’s sustainable development goals to guide us.” From the Soil & the Sea to the Table, understanding where our food comes from helps us appreciate and respect our food and the people and place that makes it all possible.
To be kept informed with the initiatives of the Geopark, we invite the public to sign up for our e-news at [email protected] and to find out more about the Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark, visit us online at https://www.discoverygeopark.com
Media Contact:
Cyndy Stead, Geopark Manager
T: 1.709.464.7345