GMIST Grad Wins Sustainable Tourism Award
July 7, 2010
Sustainable Tourism 2010
A few months ago GMIST had the privilege to work with the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association on some initiatives around the UNESCO Biosphere in Southwest Nova Scotia. The Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO designated, internationally recognized and unique region of natural and cultural heritage. The reserve comprises lands in the counties of Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, Shelburne and Queens.
What we were most impressed with was the model being utilized by Maegan Power-Noble, the executive director of SNBR and a past GMIST grad, around sustainable tourism development from a community level. Over the past 18 months SNBR has taken a lead role in helping define what the unique experiences and stories can be in Southwest Nova Scotia; and more specifically how operators and communities can work in harmony with one another in the branding and promotion of a UNESCO site. Through a strong community focus, SNBR has been able to engage operators and communities in discussions to help establish a common plan for tourism development in the Biosphere. More importantly they are helping people understand the need to do this development sustainably in order for their communities to flourish and meet their goals.
As a result of all that great work, the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve has been awarded the 2010 Sustainable Tourism Award from Destination Southwest Nova. This is truly an example of community development done right! Congrats to Maegan and the SNBR for all the great work you do and for winning the award!