After several months preparing document and annexes, on February 26 Cabox Aspiring Geopark submitted its official application dossier to the Canadian Geopark Network (CGN).
Submitting the dossier is the first step in a 2-3 year application process that, if successful, leads to the designation of Cabox as a UNESCO Global Geopark, one of three UNESCO designations.
In addition to the 50-page dossier (the limit), the application contained 10 annexes, including a self-evaluation checklist, detailed description of geological heritage and conservation, large scale map showing clearly defined boundary and all geosites, museums and towns, list of endorsements, and one-page general geological description.
Monogram Communications and Consulting Inc. coordinated development of the dossier, while Dr. John Waldron, who spent four decades studing and writing about the geology of the Bay of Islands region, provided the geological maps and descriptions. MUN Grenfell Campus Professor Rainer Baehre assisted with the human history storyline.
After a thorough review of the application by the CGN, Cabox was notified on March 23 that “the CGN was highly impressed with the calibre of the submission” and that there was unanimous support for a site visit during summer 2025.
If Cabox is deemed ready after site inspection, it will receive a letter of endorsement from the CGN to include with its submission to the Global Geopark Network, which will follow essentially the same process before being reviewed, approved and designated a UNESCO Global Geopark.