Contrary to THE famous popular belief, tourism development can be part of the solution to the environmental, societal and economic challenges of a community. But for this development to take place and be sustainable, it must be supported by the driving forces of a territory, committed actors who are well aware of its needs.
To illustrate this reflection, I am taking you to Quebec, more precisely on the North Shore in Tadoussac, the third largest tourist destination in the province and one of the best places in the world for observing marine mammals.
Tourism at the service of research and conservation
I won't talk to you so much about tourism, but rather about research, education, and conservation. Since 1985, the Marine Mammal Research and Education Group (GREMM) in Tadoussac is dedicated to scientific research on whales in the St. Lawrence and to education for the conservation of the marine environment. As part of a project, I had the chance to meet the co-founder, Patrice Corbeil. As I learned about their initiatives, the distinctive character of this organization became more and more obvious, thanks to its multiple benefits, including tourism.
Indeed, a few years after its creation, GREMM founded the Marine Mammal Interpretation Center (CIMM), a museum institution dedicated to raising awareness and educating about marine mammals in the St. Lawrence. This allowed it to assert its educational role even more clearly.
GREMM uses the CIMM as a vehicle to meet its mission and raise awareness about environmental issues. In return, the income generated by the Interpretation Center (entrance fees, shop) benefits scientific research. Before presenting two promising projects, here is a short portrait of the CIMM.
A Museum That Meets Whales and Scientists
The CIMM is distinguished by...
- Its largest collection of whale skeletons in Canada, including a 13-meter sperm whale and a North Atlantic right whale. Thanks to a superb play of light, their exhibition hall honors the grandiose nature of these mammals.
- Its location on the rocks between the St. Lawrence estuary and the mouth of the Saguenay River, offering a panoramic view to observe belugas, rorquals, seals, etc.
- The possibility of interacting with scientists, whether it is the GREMM team that comes back from sea and shares its observations or that of the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Network, which comes to present some current cases.
Combining Scientific Research and Visitor Experience
- Whales Live
Created in 2000 by GREMM, Whaleensendirect.org has established itself as the essential site for raising awareness and educating the public about the whales of the St. Lawrence. This portal combines an exhaustive encyclopedia on cetaceans and a magazine for news and popular science. Researchers, volunteers and enthusiasts contribute to the transmission of information, through field observations, photographs and articles.
It is a great way to maintain a link with CIMM visitors and to arouse the interest of various audiences for a future visit. This platform makes it possible to continue the observation experience virtually, for example thanks to this map, which is updated regularly:
- Window on Belugas
The GREMM is carrying out the brand new collaborative project “Window on Belugas”. It is an immersive and innovative beluga observation experience from terrestrial sites on the banks of the river and at the CIMM. Drones and hydrophones capture and broadcast live the sounds and behaviors of belugas, offering an ecological alternative to observation at sea. At the CIMM, images and sounds are broadcast on the big screen and naturalists comment live, thus providing explanations on the behaviors observed.
This project, in collaboration in particular with Ocean Wise, meets conservation objectives by limiting the impact of watercraft on belugas, while enriching scientific knowledge on their social behaviors. By combining research and education, this initiative is in line with Gremm's mission, by transforming research results into an educational experience accessible to the general public.
Community Involvement
The CIMM is also committed to its ownership by the community. Admission is free for residents of Tadoussac, in order to create a network of ambassadors. It also organizes “out-of-frame” events for them: movie nights and video games thanks to the new big screen in Window on Belugas. In winter, it opens the doors of the museum on demand, for residents or visitors passing through.
Whales fascinated, and GREMM quickly understood that they would allow it to attract visitors and then raise their awareness on important topics such as the protection of biodiversity and the fight against climate change.
The purpose of the Marine Mammal Interpretation Center goes well beyond tourism and financial goals. It is an inspiring example to bring more meaning to our sector!
Bonus:
GREMM collaborated with the Quebec author of successful children's novels, India Desjardins, to write her documentary book for children about whales, Whales and us. Another involvement allowing him to reach a wider audience and to transmit his message “outside the walls.”
Source of the featured image: baleinesendirect.org
POSTED
8/28/2024