community development

The Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park opened in 2007 as a world-class tourist attraction designed to engage visitors in authentic cultural experiences with the Siksika People, members of the Blackfoot Confederacy of central Canada. For centuries the Blackfoot knew about Soyopowahko, or Blackfoot Crossing a well-known river crossing essential to follow the migrating herds of buffalo and an important meeting place of historical and cultural significance. Today the Park welcomes approximately 40,000 visitors a year and is the only First Nation owned and operated tourist attraction in the Canadian Badlands. 

Abstract: In 2004, the International Ecotourism Society reported that over 1.2 million passengers travelled to polar regions by cruise ship raising concerns about the carrying capacity of these destinations. Policy makers point out that in general the planning and development of cruise tourism is just beginning to be recognized arguing that there is a need for more integrated coastal management strategies that foster a process through which decisions are made for sustainable use, development and protection of areas and resources. In Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada’s most easterly Province, a 19% growth rate in cruise passengers from 2004 to 2009 resulted in an overall direct and indirect economic impact that surpassed CAD$10.7 million.

EXPLORING THE ROLE OF INNOVATION IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN PERIPHERAL COMMUNITIES: THE TOP OF THE SOUTH AQUACULTURE AND SEAFOOD TRAIL, NEW ZEALAND

This research is meant to inform the regional steering committee, local planners and businesses in the Top of the South region, of the South Island of New Zealand, of the important role that seafood and tourism can play as part of their strategic planning efforts to promote more sustainable forms of seafood tourism associated with the marine resources, heritage, and culture of the region. The central focus of the research is on the Top of the South Aquaculture and Seafood Trail (the Trail) developed through leadership of the New Zealand Marine Farming Association (MFA) located in Blenheim.

From the 10th - 13th May 2009 postgraduates from nine different countries presented work related to water, energy, climate change, and society in Noosa, Australia. I presented on my masters thesis that focuses on the collaboration of key-stakeholders involved in the Aquaculture and Seafood Trail. I received very good feedback and it was nice to discuss my research with some fresh minds!

Topics were presented at the conference that covered the following themes: