Sustainable Development

Charlevoix and the Sustainable Development Challenge

 As a World Biosphere Reserve, the Charlevoix region falls under particular scrutiny in matters regarding socio-economic and tourist development.
 Long before today’s interest in sustainable development, certain organizations in the area - of which the Charlevoix World Biosphere Reserve, the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (SEPAQ) and the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park - had already taken steps towards sound sustainable tourism practices. These precursors felt that heightened public awareness, education and scientific research were part of ecotourism, and each has favoured responsible actions for the conservancy of the flora and fauna. For instance, the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park – unique in Canada – has elaborated rules and regulations for seagoing activities which include on-water speed limits, boat limits and distancing limits from mammals. And both the Hautes Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie and Grands-Jardins National Parks now rely on solar energy.
 Along with several residents and businesses, both Charlevoix’s public and community bodies have pledged to develop agriculture, tourism, commerce, culture and the arts and crafts in a responsible, sustainable fashion. For example, the Municipality of Baie-Saint-Paul has adopted since 2006 its own sustainable development action plan called Agenda 21. As well, certain initiatives and tourist activities such as La Route bleue aim to sensitize both residents and visitors alike to the particularities of the region’s ecosystem.

Charlevoix’s RéserVert

Charlevoix has seen an increasing number of tourism related businesses proudly post RéserVert certification which is awarded by l’Association des hôteliers du Québec (AHQ). This program encourages hotel establishments to reduce pollution generated by their activities while they maintain profitable and prosperous businesses. RéserVert proposes a list of ecologically friendly tasks hotel owners can adopt as they join an evolutionary process towards independent sustainable development. RéserVert applies to businesses of every stripe and size.
 Tourism Charlevoix’s IMP is proud to count several certified RéserVert members. Moreover, other types of businesses in the region are now leaning towards sustainable development by adopting ‘green’ practices such as composting, recycling, waste reduction, the use of biodegradable detergents and enerwise lightbulbs, the purchase of fair trade products…

 In its continued efforts to promote the region, Tourism Charlevoix’s IMP keeps in mind this collective pledge towards responsible tourism, and supports any sustainable development effort based on expertise which proves to be in harmony with the protection of its natural sites.