Welcome to Debris to Design
A collaborative stewardship initiative between the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark and Parrsboro Creative.
Our mission is to transform the narrative of shoreline pollution into a story of community-driven restoration. By collecting human-made waste from our beaches and repurposing it into creative designs, we are directly contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals—specifically Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption) and Goal 14 (Life Below Water). This project celebrates the "Community-Driven Stewards" who keep our shores healthy for the next generation.
Our Partnerships
This project is built on the foundation of Two-Eyed Seeing and a shared commitment to Mi’kma’ki stewardship. We work closely with partners like Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network, Scotian Shores, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to ensure our actions support conservation efforts and the recovery of local species at risk, such as the Atlantic Mud-piddock. By participating, you are joining a network of organizations dedicated to the protection of the Bay of Fundy’s unique ecosystem.
Essential Collection Guidelines (UNESCO Mandate)
As a UNESCO Global Geopark, we have a "Leave No Trace" responsibility to protect our geological heritage. Please adhere strictly to the following rules when gathering materials for your design:
YES – COLLECT HUMAN-MADE WASTE: We encourage you to gather "debris" that does not belong in nature—lobster bands, frayed fishing rope, ghost gear, plastic containers, and metal fragments.
NO – LEAVE NATURAL MATERIALS BEHIND: To protect our ecosystems, do not collect or use rocks, fossils, minerals, driftwood, or seaweed. These materials are vital to the environment and must remain on the shoreline.
The Showcase
All registered designs will be featured in a community showcase on August 1, 2026, hosted at the Parrsboro Bandstand. This event will highlight the creativity of our residents and the collective impact of our environmental efforts.
