Eco museum: protect, preserve, promote

If you’ve never heard of the Georgian Bay Eco Museum you’re not alone, but all that could change in the next couple of years if environmental marketing specialist Ron Taylor has his way.

He said, “Right now it is more of a philosophy represented through a virtual website, then an institution. The concept evolved from an example my son and I saw in Nova Scotia in the early ’90s where a student summer project identified an area around St. Margaret’s Bay as an eco museum, a museum without walls incorporating the many varied attractions in the area. It also had a self guided route with history.”

He said the idea can be applied to the Southern Georgian Bay area. “A general philosophy was echoed in the literature about respect and care for the environment, while at the same time having to live and exist in that environment. This is now the message of the green movement which is all positive for Georgian Bay. What the eco museum can perhaps do now is emphasize the importance of Georgian Bay Water, the most precious resource in the area.”
Taylor said travelers are drawn to that precious resource. “The Southern Georgian Bay area is many things to many different markets. The boomers are shifting from the beach and sun vacations to more learning, culture and history which will be good for the area. I believe Southern Georgian Bay is one of Canada’s most significant overall resort destinations offering history, cultural and outdoor recreation. Families with younger children are looking for beach and water based activities and always will. Winter sports enthusiasts fishing, boaters are all unique in their demands when visiting Georgian Bay. However the one common element to all markets is the water, either to actively engage in outdoor recreation, or to simply refresh oneself with beautiful views, the wind off the bay or the spectacular sunsets. Water is an aesthetic and is everything to visitors to the area.”

That attraction is a double edged sword to be handled very carefully, protecting the fragility of the environment while at the same time increasing tourist traffic. “The balance between demand and environmental protection will always be a challenge,” Taylor said. “However the general population is more in tune today compared to five years ago. Populations are both more careful, and watchful for potential problems. Communities must stay ahead of demand with proper infrastructure development to help ensure a pristine environment.”

Economically it’s vital to capitalize on the environment, particularly as other sector’s slip and Taylor said not enough is being done to aggressively market it. “Tourism is a major economic generator and will be even more important as manufacturing jobs continue to leave the region. Canada has always been an eco tourism destination. However I believe we have not been aggressive in pursuing this market. Certainly as a relatively clean, fresh, and environmentally concerned country, we have tremendous opportunity to position ourselves for this growing market. Collectively everyone has a greater interest in ecology and learning about the environment.”

He called the Severn Sound area a leader in environmental awareness thanks to the work of the remedial action plan. “I think this bodes well for the area and could set the example for all of the Great Lakes regions that continue to have problems.”

Taylor said he feels it’s time to let those who know best develop destinations. “Both provincial and federal governments (all parties) have to stop using tourism promotion, grants and advertising campaigns as political opportunities. They need to focus on infrastructure development and promotion to international markets. Leave domestic tourism development and promotion to the destinations who are serious about tourism as an economic engine.”
That’s where the eco museum can play an important role. “It will reinforce the importance of ecology, wetlands, and watersheds to the health of Georgian Bay and by talking about it create a more active and aware population – be it tourist, cottager, boater or resident. Destinations that continue to preserve and protect their natural resources will be in high demand in the future.”

Taylor said all that’s needed now is people to buy into the concept. “As it is more of a philosophy people just have to buy in to the belief. At some point there are a number of significant icons that could tell the story and interact with visitors and local residents. The bay is full of excellent examples. The concept of the Coastal Route could be a catalyst in bringing this awareness of Georgian Bay as a Fresh Water Eco Museum forward. The elements are already in place with the two biosphere reserves, both of which have philosophies that represent what could be applied to all of Georgian Bay.”
The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is one site which integrates education with an environmental experience. Denise Brophey, marketing and communications coordinator at the marsh said environmental/eco tourism is an important component of the environmental site, particularly during the summer months. “The major attractions to the marsh for most visitors are: the boardwalk, wildlife viewing, canoeing, snowshoeing, and our live animal shows that include the Birds of Prey as well as our snakes, turtles, and frogs.”

She said the marsh’s mission is to spark commitment to conserving wetlands, woodlands and wildlife by creating exciting learning opportunities in a natural setting.

Like many attractions the marsh does rely on tourists, however Brophey said their substantial membership foundation as well as local resident visitation accounts for a large portion of their year round business.

Whether visitors are local or from further afield the marsh offers recreation and research with an eco-friendly twist. “The Friends of the Wye Marsh are committed to preserving the Wye Marsh and the natural heritage of the Wye Valley while providing low impact educational, recreational and research opportunities to benefit present and future generations,” Brophey said. “A great deal of our programs incorporate our mission and our commitment to educating people on how to preserve our wetlands. One such program is our Early Morning and Twilight Ecotours which are promoted in a number of ways throughout Ontario. During the Ecotours, our researcher will guide you through some of the more remote areas of the marsh and discuss the problems associated with wetland management while keeping you up to date on the latest research undertaken by the Wye Marsh staff.”

Visit www.georgianbayecomuseum.com to learn more about eco-tourism opportunities in the Southern Georgian Bay region as well as the concept of eco-museums and what has been accomplished in other areas.

Cutline

Natural attractions like the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre’s trumpeter swans and Georgian Bay’s natural beauty could be central to creating an eco museum for the Southern Georgian Bay region.

This article was prepared by Jennifer Harker for the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce.