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The Cooperative

A Model of Regenerative Tourism

Marie-Renée Grondin

Marie-Renée Grondin

Our philosophy of sustainable tourism development

Ensure intelligent, responsible development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

To give substance to our ambition of preventing uncontrolled exploitation of the land, Vallée Bras-du-Nord Cooperative adopted, from the very beginning, the principles of sustainable tourism development. These principles have become not only a philosophy, but also a duty — and above all, an environmental and social responsibility.

This approach reflects a vision of tourism that goes beyond sustainability — one in whichtourism actively contributes to the regeneration of the land..

The strength of our model

Responding to economic, social and environmental concerns, while maintaining a balance between these different spheres.

The strength of our model lies in its ability to foster genuine collaboration and a strong sense of belonging, through a win-win approach to shared decision-making. This model fully embodies the values of responsible tourism and local governance.

Photo: Myriam Laroche

Photo: Myriam Laroche

Involving local communities and users

The unique character of the territory—made up of both private and public lands—encourages the Cooperative to pursue a development approach that actively involves local communities and users. Moreover, the preservation of the landscape, a key element of eco-responsible tourism, is one of the core principles of sustainable developmentThis commitment promotes collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring the sustainable enhancement and long-term conservation of the natural treasure that is Vallée Bras-du-Nord.

Our flexible cooperative model brings together partners, producers, residents and workers. In another innovative project, it also involves local young people in difficulty.

An educational component

Since 2015, in collaboration with the ALCOA Foundation, we have developed various initiatives focused on education in sustainable tourism, environmental awareness, and eco-citizenship.

This commitment takes shape through a variety of projects led by our Cooperative. The partnership with the ALCOA Foundation includes the training of numerous leaders and ambassadors to promote environmental stewardship and, more broadly, ethical and eco-responsible tourism.

Vallée Bras-du-Nord is extremely proud of this partnership and is committed to showcasing the positive impacts of this inspiring project — making the promotion of sustainable tourism in Québec and eco-citizenship its flagship cause.

Our commitments to sustainable development

For more than 10 years, as evidenced by the numerous awards it has won, the Vallée Bras-du-Nord cooperative has demonstrated its ability to innovate and successfully achieve the goals it sets itself. This astonishing success, particularly in sustainable tourism, is a source of great curiosity. The directors are regularly invited to share their experiences through conferences on sustainable tourism.

Here are a few examples of our cooperative's eco-responsible actions and commitments:

Leave No Trace Canada Program

A call to our visitors to adopt eco-responsible behaviors while traveling, especially during their outdoor activities.

Education campaign

Launch of an education and renaturalization campaign for the riparian zones of the Bras-du-Nord River.

Concerted action to harmonize forest uses

Including right-of-way agreements on private land, the coexistence of various sustainable tourism stakeholders on public land, and ongoing dialogue and shared visions surrounding eco-responsible development of the Vallée Bras-du-Nord territory and the broader challenges related to sustainable tourism.

Ongoing preservation efforts

Work on identifying sensitive landscapes and ongoing efforts to preserve them, notably through low-impact tourism development and enhanced promotion.

Louis-Jobin outdoor program

Nature and ecosystem education and interpretation, incorporating the principles of environmentally responsible travel — both for our visitors and through the outdoor education program at Louis-Jobin High School in Saint-Raymond.

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Working together to meet the challenges of regional development

Examples include light pollution, visual integration of new buildings, electrification of Rang Saguenay, safety and risk management in remote areas, paving the road to the Shannahan Welcome Center, and the social acceptability of developing cooperative activities. These initiatives contribute to a sustainable tourism strategy that combines inclusion with responsible management.

They also reflect a strong commitment to building a form of tourism that is engaged, mindful, and positively impactful on all living systems.

Construction of "green" buildings

Promoting wood as a building material (the cooperative is a signatory of the Coalition Bois, énergie alternative)

Conferences and training

We showcase the reach and impact of Vallée Bras-du-Nord’s sustainable tourism model through conferences and training sessions, sharing best practices in the tourism industry..

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Protecting and enhancing future prospects

Satisfy the current needs of tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing future prospects

The Sustainable tourism development is seen as a path toward the responsible management of resources ensuring that economic, social, and aesthetic needs are met while preserving cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biodiversity, and living systems.

This can only be achieved if all stakeholders actively participate and commit to the effective implementation of sustainable tourism through an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative approach.

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our team

Do you have any questions about our solidarity cooperative, our community initiatives or our conference program? Our team will be happy to provide you with further information!

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