Gros Morne National Park in eastern Canada is a world heritage site and UNESCO is recommending the government create a buffer zone to protect it from hydraulic fracturing. This process, also called fracking, involves pumping water and chemicals at high pressure into shale rock formations to extract gas or oil. Opposition to fracking has sprung up in several part of Canada over groundwater pollution and other possible risks.
Because of its exceptional beauty and geology, Gros Morne was designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1987. It is a paradise for hikers and geologists who have studied its rock formations to better understand plate tectonics.
Environmentalists have long lobbied to have the park protected and the government of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador did put a moratorium on all fracking applications until there is a review. But UNESCO would like there to be a permanent buffer zone, as is required when new world heritage sites are created.
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