So What is a Geopark, Anyways?
A geopark is an area that holds the key to all stories about our past, present and our future.
It is a designation that attracts tourists wishing to explore the connections between geology, local communities, culture, and nature. Geoparks are designed to promote tourism and celebrate a region’s uniqueness, and do not prohibit any land use.
UNESCO GEOPARKS
Connecting Southern New Brunswick to
the World
Stonehammer is proud to be part of the UNESCO Global Geopark network, a prestigious designation for landscapes of international significance.
did you know:
Stonehammer is the first of only five geoparks in Canada!
The Goals of a
UNESCO Geopark
World-Class Heritage, Right in Our Backyard!
UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. They have a bottom-up approach of combining conservation with sustainable development while involving local communities.
Here’s a Quick History
Lesson for you...
In 2004...
The Founding of the Network
The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is founded in Paris, bringing together 25 pioneering sites from Europe and China.
In 2015...
Official UNESCO Recognition
195 Member States officially ratify the UNESCO Global Geoparks label, recognizing them as a top-tier global designation alongside World Heritage Sites.
And today...
A Global Standard
The network expands to 177 sites, setting the international benchmark for geo-conservation.
For more information, click below!
sustainable development goals (Sdgs)
Our Commitment to the UN 2030 Agenda
As a member of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, Stonehammer’s work is intrinsically linked to advancing Canada’s 2030 SDG Agenda. As an organization, we strive to educate and inform the public about Earth Sciences and sustainable practices that can be implemented in our communities.
Our high-quality educational programs include topics such as Climate Action – looking at flood risks in our region, Clean Water – microplastics pollution, and Life Below Water – through a partnership with Bay Ferries Limited that educates the public on board ferry crossings about marine life and risks to these species.
We have also worked closely with the industry to create educational products relating to Clean Energy.
As many of our programs involve hiking and other outdoor physical activities, we also strive to improve our communities’ Health and Well-Being.
Our co-management strategy with the Fundy Biosphere Region allows us to work to advance Sustainable Cities and Communities and plan various clean-up and tree-planting events to support Life on Land.
How We’re Meeting SDGs
Goal Number
Regional Action & Implementation
Goal 3
Active Recreation: Promoting physical well-being through guided hiking tours and the maintenance of walking trails across our geological sites.
Goal 4
Earth Science Programming: Delivering hands-on geological and environmental education through tailored programs for K-12 students and youth groups.
Goal 6
Watershed Awareness: Developing educational content focused on our regional water systems, Atlantic rivers, and the impact of microplastics on our environment.
Goal 7
Energy Partnerships: Collaborating with regional partners like NB Power and Saint John Energy to highlight sustainable energy practices and resource management.
Goal 11
Community Cooperation: Partnering with local municipalities and the Fundy Biosphere Region on co-management strategies to protect our shared heritage sites.
Goal 13
Environmental Risk Education: Providing clear information on local climate challenges, specifically regarding flood awareness and coastal erosion.
Goal 14
Marine Interpretation: Delivering educational programming on marine life and conservation for travelers in partnership with Bay Ferries Ltd.
Goal 15
Biodiversity & Reforestation: Supporting the protection of local terrestrial ecosystems and participating in active reforestation efforts within the Geopark.
Collaboration is the Key to Our Mission
Our impact is amplified through strategic partnerships with fellow UNESCO designations and regional transit leaders who share our commitment to education and conservation.