GBA Update Summer 2025

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Costa Rica Renowned for its biodiversity, Costa Rica has established itself as a leader in ecotourism. The country’s national parks, ecolodges, conservation initiatives, and ecotourism certification program attract nature enthusiasts while preserving its rich ecosystems. Australia The Australian Eco Certification program was a world first, developed in 1981, to address the need for identifying genuine nature and ecotourism operators. It’s designed for tours, accommodations, and attractions that prioritize nature in their visitor experiences. On Georgian Bay, the aspiring Geopark is emerging as a central vehicle to guide tourism toward sustainability. The Geopark aims to: W Provide ecotourism certification and education tools. W Build municipal guidelines for responsible development. W Partner with First Nations to support Indigenous tourism . W Lay groundwork for Guardian programs —stewardship roles that blend traditional knowledge with scientific monitoring. Funding to support this work is already being accessed through FedDev and FedNor, with additional grants under exploration to support infrastructure like low-impact trails, interpretive signage, and boating initiatives. The Future of Ecotourism As awareness of environmental and cultural issues grows, ecotourism is likely to play a significant role in shaping the future of travel in Georgian Bay. By adhering to authentic principles and combating challenges like greenwashing, ecotourism can continue to inspire travellers while supporting conservation and community development. Ultimately, the success of ecotourism depends on collaboration among governments, businesses, civil society, communities, and travellers to prioritize the planet’s well being over short-term gains.

This work is spearheaded by Natalie Knowles , a conservation scientist and policy expert leading the Georgian Bay ecotourism toolkit project. Her experience integrates research, Indigenous knowledge, and community-based environmental justice to ensure this initiative meets global best practices while staying locally grounded. Natalie holds a PhD in Geography and Environmental Management from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Science in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management from the University of Oxford.

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GBA UPDATE • Summer 2025