Cash helps put UNESCO pieces together

BY WENDY ELLIOTT

Kings County Register

With a funding announcement February 16, Grand Pré is now positioned to complete its bid for designation as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

Some $1.3 million worth of funding and in-kind support from three levels of government was announced.

Premier Rodney MacDonald and Acadian Affairs Minister Chris d'Entremont joined federal, municipal and community members to announce more than $280,000 from the province. "We are optimistic that this community-driven project will successfully create a trio of World Heritage Sites in Nova Scotia, as it joins Lunenburg and Joggins Fossil Cliffs," said the premier. "This project reflects the values we share as Nova Scotians: our quality of life, the importance of volunteers and the need for partnerships to keep our communities strong.”

D'Entremont said the bid is an opportunity to bring together the Acadian and local community to work on common goals. "Applying for UNESCO designation has begun a process where the surrounding area, and specifically Grand Pré, can receive the much-warranted recognition it deserves."

The site has become a symbol of hope, perseverance and pride around the world, said Senator Gerald Comeau. He explained those values are exemplified in the Acadian determination to preserve both its culture and language. The federal government is supporting the project through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Parks Canada.

Kings County will contribute $23,000 toward the cost of planning services. Other contributors include $117,000 from the Kings Community Economic Development Agency and $54,000 from Société Promotion Grand-Pré. “Grand Pre’s recognition as a world heritage site will better position the county of Kings, and, indeed the Annapolis Valley region, as a significant heritage tourism destination,” said Kings Councillor John Fuller.

Work began on the nomination two years ago. “It is exciting when three levels of government, an advisory board representing 12 different organizations and the communities of Grand Pré, Hortonville and North Grand Pré come together to work collaboratively on a project of such significance to our area,” said Kings CED director Erin Beaudin, also advisory board co-chairwoman. “Grand Pré and surrounding area are really world-class treasures to be admired. Treasures are meant to be preserved because of their intrinsic value, and this UNESCO nomination project is no different. We are truly grateful for the generous support of our funding partners and of the communities who share this legacy,” added Dr. Gérald Boudreau, advisory board co-chairman and vice president of the Société Promotion Grand-Pré.

Grand Pré and the surrounding area has long been known as an inspirational cultural landscape, and is an outstanding example of a farming community in 17th and 18th century North America.

WEBLINKS

www.nominationgrandpre.ca