Canada Creating Horseshoe Falls as a new World Heritage Site. IIMUN Advisor note: Presentations need not look this plain. This is merely an example. Robust and informative presentations are encouraged.

Background Niagara falls is one of North America’s most visited attractions.Horseshoe falls, the Canadian section of Niagara falls, was said to have formed 12,000 years ago. The geological masterpiece boasts 170 feet tall and holds the title of the second largest waterfall in the world, after Victoria falls in southern Africa. The waters of the Niagara river are used by over a million U.S. and Canadian citizens for a multitude of purposes. The massive flow of water serves as the largest source of electric power across the globe.

Criteria Factors Met Criteria Factor VI- To be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. It is a known fact that Niagara falls is heavily surrounded by mythology and folklore.The creation of the striking Horseshoe falls is expressed through many variations of the native tale - The Maid of the Mist. The origin of the widely spoken myth dates back to the Ongiara tribe who resided along the Niagara river. The tale faces many different adaptations, but all depict how the towering flow of Horseshoe falls came to be and the eerie mist that blankets the eyes of millions of visitors. The myth expresses the mist surrounding the falls of holding magical properties due to a spirit named Lelawala enchanting the phenomenon. The folklore surrounding Horseshoe falls continues to attract countless visitors and plays an important role in the falls’ history.

Criteria Factors Met Criteria Factor VII- To contain superlative natural phenomena or areas or exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance. It is without a doubt that the eminent Niagara falls draw an abounding amount of tourists due to the enchanting beauty expanding over 2,500 feet across the border of Ontario and the United States. The wondrous flow of water naturally formed during the last ice age is regarded as one of the most fascinating natural sites in North America. A thick blanket of white mist above an immense pool of rich blue- green flowing water creates an awe-inspiring landscape for the multitude of travelers each year. Horseshoe falls continues to be the subject of countless artworks portraying its exceptional beauty.

Funding of the New Site Parks Canada (Canada’s National Park Agency) is the main source of distributed funds which would implement Horseshoe falls as a World Heritage Site. Parks Canada preserves and protects landmarks or historical sites crucial to Canada’s history and cultural heritage. Along with Parks Canada, donations either from a state, corporation, or charity would benefit the application of Horseshoe falls as Canada’s newest World Heritage Site.

Economic Benefits of Horseshoe Falls Horseshoe Falls is part of one of the world’s largest sources of hydroelectric power. The Sir Adam Beck Generating Stations on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls join with the American Robert Moses Station to form the greatest source of hydroelectric power across North America. The 2 million kilowatts produced by the Niagara River is used to provide over one quarter of all the power in both New York and Ontario. This renewable, clean source of energy is among one of the greatest economic benefits Horseshoe Falls has to offer. The Niagara Parks Commission, the agency who owns the hydroelectric power plants, contributed nearly $100 million to the GDP of the Ontario economy, and has employed over 3,000 Canadian citizens. Without a doubt, Horseshoe Falls is one of the most crucial factors in providing for Canada’s economic foundation.

Social and Cultural Impact of Horseshoe Falls The cultural and social impact that Horseshoe Falls has upon humanity is beyond compare. Every year, around 12 million people come from around the globe to see these amazing Falls. These awe-inspiring Falls have a rich history, from Native American legends to daring crosses and attempts to go over the Falls. Today, with the advent of human technology, tourists are able to travel into the Falls with the ferry, or can fly over with helicopter rides. Not only does the sight of the Falls affect every individual person who comes and visits Horseshoe Falls, but the impact that tourism has on economy is a profit of $88.5 Billion Canadian dollars, part of which goes back into the park and allows for future tourists to enjoy the sights that Canada has to offer.

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