Business Case Validation
Venture Viability and Growth Potential –
What is the Need?
Currently, there is no dedicated Tourism / Forest Education Venue in Unama’ki-for people with physical and or mental challenges.
Rural Communities in Unama’ki have identified a need for forest resource diversification and increased regional economic diversification.
Environmental education is a pertinent topic to people who care about environmental sustainability, the future of Forests, and alignment with Global, National, and Regional Sustainability Goals.
There is a societal need to strengthen intergenerational and family bonds, revive traditional heritage with the land, and increase prosperity economically through the practice of Life-Long Learning.
Who are the Customers?
People who are interested in the Forest and would like to explore the benefits and opportunities it offers, in education, recreation, health and well-being, and/or sustainable work in the Forest.
What are the Employment and Human Resource Opportunities?
The Human Resource objective of the Teaching Forest is to, first and foremost, draw- in existing expertise from our local population, and from there, identify the voids and further reach out to seek and recruit Provincial, National & International expertise in the desired fields within each division of development (streams of revenue).
What are the Streams of Revenue?
The project design and phase development stages will determine the realization of specific streams of revenue.
There are five main streams of revenue identified with the development of the Teaching Forest.
- Research & Development – Field Station Shared Use Agreements
- Manufacture and Sales of Non-Timber Forest Products
- Edu -Tourism Adventure Venues
- Forest Programming – Educational Partnerships
- Educational Material Development
The market is continuing to expand due to the growth of international interest in Accessible Adventure Tourism venues.
Will this Business Create Career Opportunities & Employment?
From the onset, plans are to develop an innovative Mentorship Program. Young and old people can be enriched by exposure to a variety of hands- on- tools and practical life skills, which can be offered at the Teaching Forest. Achievement of this objective will open many additional opportunities for community interaction and growth.
Positive activities that young children are exposed to, are allowed to experiment with, and have the opportunity to learn to lead, often result in their later achieving life-long careers and excellence in dedication to those desired fields.
To be encouraged to do career test drives, through well-designed hands-on activities in a broad spectrum of activities of interest, often allows a greater student success rate in chosen future endeavors. This is due to seeds of recognition of the interests and capabilities of the individual student, becoming firmly planted through awareness, and a foundation of gaining initial exposure and experience. When later these students become employees they can become more engaged with a higher retention rate because their chosen position is one they are already familiar with and know that it is a position they want to fill.
This multi–faceted hands- on ForestLearning Center will provide close-up opportunities in the fields of Tourism and Recreation, Forestry Management, Scientific Research, Food Production, and Trades Skills such as craftsmanship, music , art, carpentry, woodworking, science, and innovation.
A partial listing of potential mentorship opportunities at the Teaching Forest:
Forestry Technicians / Workers
Heavy Equipment Operation
Project Management
Survey Work
Tourism Development Planning
Barrier Free Expertise and Advisors
Is the Teaching Forest designed as a for-profit business?
The Teaching Forest is a for-profit industry partner to other organizations.
Glendale – Location Adjacent to the Trans Canada Highway
How will the Community Benefit from The Teaching Forest?
Our existing educational infrastructure will benefit from a local industry partner operating a Teaching Forest as a Living Field Station for youth. Students can have an increased awareness of on-the-ground opportunities that are available during their education period and be exposed to a variety of career choices at an earlier stage in their lives, as opposed to graduating and then seeking job terms without practical experience. Many youth have expressed a desire to “ try ‘ different careers through mentorship programs or job shadowing. The Teaching Forest will allow those students opportunities in multiple forest work fields.
Student success rates elevate when they enjoy the topic of study. Enjoyment of the study program raises the success levels of study completion at all levels. Students have a greater opportunity to define their goals based on their positive experimentation experiences.
Employment opportunities in diverse fields will increase in a regional sense. Businesses, with an interest in partnerships with the Teaching Forest will be given opportunities to diversify their existing operations. New services and products will be branded and developed increasing the availability of local goods for sale in the marketplace.
Enrichment of the community as a whole will take place – particularly in the inclusive nature of the design of the Facility – providing many avenues of recreational, learning, and employment opportunities for challenged individuals throughout the development and operation stages of this education and eco-edu tourism business.
On-going benefits to to the community of the operation can be realized as it continues to grow. Based on social entrepreneurial value systems, the participation of all sectors of the community is to be called upon, which creates an atmosphere of inclusion and equity.
Does this Business Align with Global, National and Regional Forest, and Tourism Strategies?
Yes, this business aligns with Global, National, and Regional Forest and Tourism Strategies.
Global, national, and regional strategic business planning is ongoing with objectives published surrounding the environment, forest management, and tourism growth. In addition to government planning and publised strategies, some organizations and associations provide information about their goals. In addition, commissioned industry assessments and consumer surveys exist confirming customer needs and aspirations of private sector business planning that aim to fulfill the identified needs. This results in a plethora of publications available for review.
The publications to follow outline key objectives and desired outcomes with detailed points of strategy.
International Research Teaching Forests focuses on alignment with the following 7 key Strategies involving the Forest and activities surrounding Edu-Eco Adventure Experiential Tourism in the Forest.
Re: Forest Planning
1) The Global Forest Strategy
2) The National (Canadian) Forest Strategy
3) The Nova Scotia Provincial Forest Strategy
Re: Tourism Growth Planning
1) The Global Tourism Growth Strategy
2) The National Tourism Growth Strategy
4) The Provincial Tourism Growth Strategy
5) The Regional Tourism Growth Strategy
This alignment substantiates International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated’s business planning and execution intentions. To highlight the areas of alignment several significant points of congruency from each are presented, however, there are other alignments not discussed at this time.
International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated
Alignment with Global, National, Provincial, and Regional Forest Strategies
1) The Global Forest Strategy
United Nations Sustainability Goals
“Investing in forests is investing in our future,” UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Liu Zhenmin stated. “We must strengthen our global efforts to protect and restore forests and support the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. Only then can we realize our shared vision for a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.”
Source: https://www.un.org/en/desa/global-forest-goals-report-2021
In the United Nation’s first review of 2030 Global 6 Forest Goals and 26 targets, there is an emphasis on sustaining and maintaining forest ecosystems, monitoring forests, and the importance of improving human relationships with nature. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed called for more forest financing and incorporating forest conservation and restoration in COVID-19 recovery. She stated that healthy forests and ecosystems are “ready-to-go solutions for green recovery at scale.” She reported that for every USD 1 spent on forests, almost USD 7 are generated in further economic benefits, and every job in forests generates an additional 1.5-2.5 jobs in the wider economy.
Further observations from the Earth Negotiations Bulletin stated that Worldwide attention to nature-based solutions continues to peak.
Source; https://sdg.iisd.org/news/un-holds-first-review-of-2030-global-forest-goals/
Alignment with the United Nations Sustainability Goals
Statement from International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated
of Congruence with Global Forest Objectives
Sustainable Development Goal business objectives are essential in all stages of business planning. Business planning tools that assist in identifying high-impact areas can assist planning in making the most meaningful contribution to the SDGs.
Goal 1 No poverty
Sustainable community development and employment are assets used to reduce poverty. There is a level of both adult and child poverty in our region. Providing meaningful, productive work that furthers the objectives aligned with sustainable development goals provides progress toward reaching these goals at a local rural level and helps local people to rise above poverty.
This business provides meaningful work for management and researchers as active mentors to youth and community leaders. Spin-offs identified are business developments from research involving opportunities related to new products from innovative forest use. Development and sales of these products also generate more excellent value towards community sustainability.
Goal 2 Zero Hunger
Through research work on the topic of food that can be grown beneath the forest canopy results can be provided which can positively contribute to local food security. With the potential of transferrable techniques to other forest management regions, the potential for creating micro industry beneficial to rural communities in other places becomes possible.
Goal 3 Good Health and Well-Being
Examination of existing research related to the forest and its relationship to human health and well-being and how Forests are a positive environment for people suffering from mental illness,trauma, physical and spiritual challenges. children and adults with various anxiety and nervous conditions, and the elderly as a source of exercise and connection with Nature. Applied research and development in this field creates a good foundation for bringing these health benefits to the region expanding operations into Eco-tourism and Edu-tourism practice.
Goal 4 Quality Education
Partnership with existing Academic Institutions from K-12 and Post-Secondary Institutions and linking research efforts to forest topics with a tangible field station, furthers goal 4 – quality education. Numerous studies have shown that learning in an outdoor environment increases retention and enthusiasm on behalf of the student.
Goal 5 Gender Equality
As a woman-owned incorporation, International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated plans to continue to focus on mentorship opportunities based on gender equality.
Goal 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
As this Teaching Forest is adjacent to the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere, and the associated region of watershed, the opportunity for joint research work related to Forest and Water becomes very favorable. Also, the Teaching Forest works toward being in alignment with the traditional core values of the nearby Indigenous communities as they are reflected in various activities established at the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources in reference to maintaining clean water and caring for our environment.
Goal 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
With past and current ongoing internationally- based research related to affordable and clean energy and efforts for new implementation of biomass use in paper productions, there will be discoveries of additional use of forests damaged by natural disasters such as fire, hurricane, and flood. Resultant opportunities to add to that body of knowledge and examine innovations are other great advantages of the establishment of this long-term forest research field station.
Goal 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
Over the years, the Strait of Canso Region, in Nova Scotia, Canada as in other areas in Canada, has seen various key industries close doors to dependent employees causing tumultuous times. Changes in industry ownership and regional industry shutdowns leave community members with the desire to experience the opportunity for more permanent, decent work that leads to economic growth. The Research Forest’s mission and goals are based on complermenting these aspirations, through innovative and more expansive use of the Forests in which we live.
Goal 9 Industry Innovation and Infrastructure
Micro industries related to the forest are present in various countries of the world, including Canada. Placing a new focus on these innovative industries can bring additional complement to Goal 9.
Goal 10 Reduce Inequalities
Through working within the community – which is growing with recent immigration targets, the population is becoming increasingly diverse. International Partnership aids in creating world expertise working together for equitable acts within our community. Narrowing the sometimes evident gaps that exist between rural and urban centers is important to equalize prosperity
In alignment with Barrier-Free Canada and the provision of equal accessibility to Forest Education, we aim to work toward reducing inequalities.
Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
The Focus of the Glendale Area Research Field Station and planned Eco-Edu Tourism Forest is focus on the three pillars of sustainability, environmental, social, and economic.
Goal 12 Responsible Production and Consumption
Through applied research and development – on a project-by-project basis, International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated seeks solutions to reduce waste associated with Forest use. Harvesting Non-Timber Forest Products responsibly and treating the Forest environment with respect while nurturing reclamation from evidence of use such as replenishment of indigenous plants to the region.
Goal 13 Climate Action
The role of the Forest as a Climate Regulator is becoming increasingly important to the world, our country, and our local region. Fostering education on Forest Stewardship in both Traditional and Non-Traditional education is critical for preserving the Forests through cautious and wise practice and ensuring Forests are capable of continuing their critical roles to mankind.
Goal 14 Life Below Water
Streams flow below streams within a Forest environment. Some of the ongoing plans by the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources focus on watershed and life that is below the water. Actions in Glendale affect the watershed steams, brooks, and rivers, which flow to larger water sources. We all share the responsibility to be informed and understand how we contribute to the environment and its condition.
Goal 15 Life on Land
Mankind has a history with its relationship with Forests. It is a core value to respect and nurture the Forest of many Indigenous and Non- Indigenous people alike. Bringing youth and adults back to the Forest is an important result of creating a Teaching Forest. Creatures are abundant within a Forest environment. The more we gain knowledge about the Forest and the living creatures, and organisms that thrive there – the greater the awareness of responsibility for stewardship becomes for the vast network of interdependent ecosystems that live within a Forest environment.
Goal 16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
International Research Teaching Forests stands for Peace, Justice, and Strong Ethical Institutions. Bonding Internationally Research Teaching Forests will strengthen our local regional society and broaden our perspective on the importance of these critical values.
Goal 17 Partnership for Goals
International Research Teaching Forests Incorprated’s growth foundation is built on partnerships.
Partnerships are the key to business. Partnerships with academia, government, community, and individuals. Teamwork is the main link that holds the mission, values, and successes of this operation.
Source: Source: https://www.fm-magazine.com/issues/2020/aug/un-sustainable-development-goals.html
International Research Forests Incorporated works toward solutions corresponding to the 17 identified Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. We understand and recognize the value and significance of Forests in the provision of climate regulation and the health and well-being of society. Through the use of Forests, International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated aims to benefit mankind and promote and establish the discovery of innovations related to the Forest. The incorporation aspires to collaborate and gain partnerships with others who are interested in working in the same direction – and bringing life to our mission statement.
Research Together for Forests Forever.
2) The National Forest Strategy – The Canadian Forest Service Strategic Framework
Natural Resource Canada’s Canadian Forest Service is a national network of regional centers built on over a century of science and industry insights This department acknowledges that forests are critical to Canada’s economy and communities. Canada is a recognized leader in sustainable forest management and the health of forests, and communities that rely on forests are linked. It is noted that the forest sector has an opportunity to diversify its workforce by recruiting, training, and promoting women, Indigenous peoples and new Canadians.
Source;https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2021/rncan-nrcan/Fo4-139-2019-eng.pdf
Statement from International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated
of Congruence with National Forest Objectives
While supporting the mandates of the Federal government in work such as Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and other departments, International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated will work to gain deeper relationships with post-secondary education institutions and other new networks to enhance R & D to produce a new cohort of skilled labor with focus on Food from the Forest, new Forest Education Technology, and Non-Timber Forest Product benefits from the Forest.
International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated
Aligning with Provincial Forest Planning Objects:
Action Excerpts from Nova Scotia Provincial Forest Transition Planning
3) The Nova Scotia Provincial Forest Strategy – Canada.
June 2024
Planning from 2018, the Province of Nova Scotia is supporting small communities in Nova Scotia to provide jobs and opportunities in the forestry sector by accepting requests for proposals in setting up Community Forests.
By allowing local communities to manage community forests on Crown land across Nova Scotia, the province will ensure that our forests are well-managed and that there are jobs and opportunities for families close to home.
There are 125 community forests across Canada. Groups that manage community forests also pursue their own goals – starting businesses related to forestry, creating ecotourism opportunities and offering education programs. The possibilities are limitless. They can ensure that harvesting is done responsibly; that there are opportunities for recreation, eco-tourism, and business; and that the forests create jobs and opportunities close to home.
In 2013 the province issued a Requests for Proposals for one pilot community forest project. This project is in the process of development
For more information about community forests, go to:
- Community Forests Fact Sheet
- https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestry/community-forest/pdf/communityForests.pdf
- January 30, 2015 Medway Community Forest Map
- January 30, 2015 Medway Community Forest Agreement
- January 30, 2015 Medway Community Forest Announcement
- Medway Community Forest Cooperative’s website
- https://www.medwaycommunityforest.com/
Additional Community Forest information American Forests – Community-Owned Forests 2005
Source; http://communitiescommittee.org/pdfs/Community-Owned_Forests_Quick_Guide.pdf
Statement from International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated
of Congruence with National & Provincial Forest Objectives
International Research Teaching Forests agrees that forests are a source of livelihood and other benefits to rural communites.
In 1999, the Glendale Forest provided employment for a work team of 19 men in addition to management. This employment was significant to Glendale as it supported rural families and allowed training and work opportunities for adjacent communities.
Building on work from the year 2003, with a formal proposal to the Federal Government for the creation of an Atlantic Canada Maple Research and Training Facility and Field Station for Non-Timber Forests Products in Glendale, a network of research partners was defined from 5 Atlantic Canadian Universities: UNB, ST.FX., Dalhousie. UPEI. and Memorial University. This proposal advanced to the last round for approval, however, was surpassed. It was stated that this concept for business was truly visionary and it was suggested to bring this proposal forward again when government objectives were in closer alignment with international sustainability objectives and long-term forest planning inclusive of diverse value-added product opportunities.
We have now reached new horizons of forestry interest in management planning in 2024 in the Province of Nova Scotia.
It has been a 20-plus year intent to develop Glendale as a private industry partner in Maple and other Non-Timber Forest Product Research for the Atlantic Region. The advantages of private Industry with the capability of partnering with educational and other business partnerships allow advancement and capabilities of product development and mentorship opportunities, as well as, strength in leadership, complemented by women’s entrepreneurial drive for product research, development, and business incubation from rural communities to the world.
Forest Food Production – Alignment with Regional Food Strategy
Food grown beneath the Forest canopy and in the practice of Agroforestry contibutes to food security around the world.
The Forests are a valuable source of food.
For additional information about Non-Timber Forest Products and Forest Food, Click here!
Forests, Life, and Livelihood
More than 23 million people, (or about two-thirds of Canada’s total population) live in or near forests.
700,000 People live in forest industry-reliant communities.
Source: Natural Resources Canada
Cape Breton Island , Nova Scotia, Canada Food Sector Strategy
Alignment with Tourism Growth Strategies: Global, National, Provincial. and Regional
1) Global Tourism Strategy
Global Eco-Edu Tourism Values and Trends
According to Grand View Research report overview of Global ecotourism examining the world ecotourism market size from 2021 and expectations of growth the following has been reported:
The global ecotourism market size was valued at USD 185.87 billion in 2021 and is expected to
expand at a compound annual growth rate of 15.2 % from 2022 to 2030. The growth is mainly driven by the rising popularity of immersive travel, outdoor recreational activities, and solo traveling coupled with rapid urbanization and the availability of cheap flights. The growing awareness about the adverse impact of tourism on the environment such as water pollution, soil erosion, and habitat loss has prompted sustainable tourists and government authorities to promote ecotourism and contribute to the growth of the industry.
Sources: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/ecotourism-market-report
Also trending upwards is the global education tourism market, estimated at USD 365.9 billion in 2022 and expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 13% from 2023 – 2030. The increasing government initiatives to boost the global reputation as a destination for education tourism, the demand for the authentic regional learning experience, and the growing global demand for international travel for attractive destinations, artifacts, and activities are key factors boosting educational tourism. Moreover, niche consumer segments like researchers also travel to various places for interdisciplinary studies and to get familiar with new ideas.
Source: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/educational-tourism-market-report
Statement from International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated
of Congruence with Global Tourism Growth Objectives
International Research Teaching Forest operations complement the Global objectives of meeting the growing demands and rising trends of outdoor adventure tourism. In addition, the combined components of Forest education simultaneously combined with events-further aligns with the desire to boost authentic learning experiences in the outdoors.
2) The Canadian National Tourism Growth Strategy
Two of the five identified growth strategies in this report are as follows:
- Embracing recreation and the great outdoors
- Attracting more International events
Statement from International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated
of Congruence with Canadian National Tourism Growth Objectives
International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated aims at building an international network, a research cluster, specializing in Non-Timber Forest Products. Such a network of seasoned expertise in the field creates local capacity to host International events which can draw additional expertise and create added economic value for rural Cape Breton Island (Unama’ki) by embracing research, education and recreation in the great outdoors.
3) The Provincial Tourist Strategy:
The Current Market for Tourism in Nova Scotia / Statistics
In 2023, Nova Scotia welcomed 2.2 million visitors, an increase of 14% (or 266,000 more visitors) compared with 2022.
Visitation from overseas markets increased by 5% compared with both 2022 and 2019, with 90,000 visiting Nova Scotia in 2023.
International Research Teaching Forest outdoor venue can offer an appealing venue for Atlantic Canadians, Canadians from other provinces and territories, Americans, and people from Overseas.
Source: https://tourismns.ca/visitation-statistics
Type of Tourist with Interest in Tourism Involving the Natural Environment of the Forest
Of the research outlining the “travel types” of visitors to the International Research Teaching Forest, the most probable would fall under the classification “Authentic Experiencer” spontaneous, discrete, ethical, eco-conscious, independent, open-minded, and curious. The natural experience of a Teaching Forest is tailored to this type of tourist. The profile of the ‘Authentic Experiencer’ suggests they are often found on hiking trails and nature reserves, have travel values of enjoying natural settings and wonders as well as interest in personal development.
This group is one of the identified key types that visit Nova Scotia according to research and therefore are targeted by provincial marketing.
Statement from International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated
of Congruence with the Nova Scotia Provincial Tourism Growth Strategies
International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated plans to apply and potentially participate in the Provincial Tourism Growth intitiative Radiant Tourism Program 2025- 2026.
While applications for 2024 – 2025 are closed for the program, applications can be submitted for the following term. New and creative experiences that can be delivered onsite can be featured in the application designing packages that are focused on partnerships with existing surrounding businesses.
Source: https://tourismns.ca/radiate-tourism-program
4) The Cape Breton Regional Tourist Growth Strategy
Study Results from the Commissioned Assessment by Destination Cape Breton.
In 2023, Destination Cape Breton partnered with several partners to commission the Unama’ki-Cape Breton Island Economic Impact Assessment for the Tourism Industry, which was delivered by KPMG. The report determined that, although the Island comprises 13.6% of the Nova Scotia population, its tourism industry delivers approximately 20% of Nova Scotia’s tourism GDP. The economic output of the Island’s tourism industry is in the range of $575-721 million per year, making it one of Cape Breton Island-Unama’ki’s key sectors.
Source: https://destinationcapebreton.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DCB-Strategy-2024-27-3.pdf page 20
Highlights from Destination Cape Breton Tourism Strategy 2024-2027
The 2024-27 strategy for Destination Cape Breton is based on the following guiding principles one of which is this highlighted guideline:
It is developed in alignment with the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, Tourism Nova Scotia’s strategy, Destination Canada’s strategy, and NSITEN’s strategy.
Source: : https://destinationcapebreton.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DCB-Strategy-2024-27-3.pdf page 21.
To optimize the impact on the Cape Breton Island visitor economy, the strategy will focus on six main objectives for 2024-27 leading to six measurable goals one of which is:
To develop and implement sustainable tourism and equity, diversity and inclusion plans for the destination.
Source: https://destinationcapebreton.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DCB-Strategy-2024-27-3.pdf page 22
Elevating the Visitor Experience
Wellness Travel.
Point 6 of the Destination Cape Breton Report is as follows;
6. To continue to develop niche markets with growth potential – Conduct a market assessment for wellness travel
Source: https://destinationcapebreton.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DCB-Strategy-2024-27-3.pdf page 38
Statement from International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated
of Congruence with the Regional Destination Cape Breton Tourism Growth Strategies
International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated is interested in building the development of a tourism experience innovation hub that will conceptualize new experiences based on data and test experiences before spinning them off to industry as outlined in the goals of the Destination Cape Breton Tourism Growth Report.
International Research Teaching Forest is interested in serving as part of the new experience catalyst for the innovation hub as described in the Destination Cape Breton Island Strategy 2024 -27-03 The purpose of the Hub is described to be a catalyst for the development of new experiences that will appeal to target audience. As an experimental Forest Research Field Station, this site is ideal for test-driving new experiences based on key criteria of accessibility and applied research data.
Source: https://destinationcapebreton.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DCB-Strategy-2024-27-3.pdf%20page%2033
5) Inclusiveness and Accessibility
Over the past few years, North American society has had an increased focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Cape Breton Island-Unama’ki has long been known as a place with friendly people, but it is imperative to provide a true sense of welcoming and belonging for people of all backgrounds and abilities. Visitors want to feel that they can connect and safely immerse themselves into the fabric of our destination. To become a more sustainable and inclusive destination, the following strategies are recommended
Excerpt from Destination Cape Breton Tourism Growth Strategy:
2. To work with key partners to roll out equity, diversity, and inclusion training and certification initiatives for the industry – Work with NSITEN and CBU to provide cross-cultural training – ….Review soon-to-be-released research from the MacEachen Institute regarding accessibility in the tourism industry and chart a roadmap to become a fully accessible destination by 2030 (as required by legislation)
Accessible Tourism for People with Disabilities
The MacEachern Institute Dalhousie University – Collaborative International Research
Improving the accessibility of Tourism for People with Challenges – Physically and Mentally.
Since 2020, the MacEachen Institute has been engaged in research activities focused on improving the accessibility of tourism for people with disabilities. The project is a partnership between the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, and includes eight academic partners from five institutions. It uses scenario planning to explore how the tourism industry could adapt to better accommodate the needs of people with disabilities.
Source: Source: https://www.dal.ca/dept/maceachen-institute/research/AccessibleTourism.html
Statement from International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated
of Congruence with Dalhousie MacEachen Institute and the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage
International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated’s objectives align with the goal of Accessibility through the planning for the development of an Accessible Forest.
We can build upon the research findings of the MacEachen Institute to bring learning to an early applied stage and create a Tourism prototype for an Accessible Forest.
International Research Teaching Forests Incorporated is seeking support from the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) to source and access resources to increase tourism business Accessibility as may be possible.
The goals of International Research Teaching Forests align with the stated objectives of the Novascotia.ca Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage most recently published (as of April 2024) Annual Plan 2022- 2023.
The business planning for International Research Teaching Forests is both creative and innovative. It involves Forest Education and addresses the role of Forests in climate regulation – as an essential service to society and as such requires protection and excellence in management processes.
- Climate change – work with the Department of Environment and Climate Change to support creative sector activities aimed at reducing/offsetting carbon footprint and contributing to education.
Additional Planning Underway by International Research Teaching Forests toward Forest Accessibility.
Click here.
