Biosphere Designation Sought For Thompson Okanagan

An effort is underway to have the Thompson Okanagan region declared a Biosphere Destination.

Ellen Walker Matthews with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association says a designation by the Bisophere Organization is about-long term sustainability.

“Both in terms of sustainable businesses. Businesses that will grow and flourish over the long haul as well as protecting the environment and the products that we have that draw people here.”

The Association is working with The Responsible Tourism Institute in Spain to achieve the designation, with hope of getting it within six months.

“It’s going to be a very in-depth process over the next six months. We’re hoping to have it in place by November the 1st but there will be a lot of work evaluating our systems and processes throughout the region.”

If granted, The Thompson Okanagan would be the first in North America to get the designation.

“We think it sets us apart and we think it will be a real marketing opportunity to say to the world we look after our region, we look after our tourism industry and we’d love you to come and see what we have.”

Becoming a Biosphere Destination involves working to relate the tourism industry to social . environmental, cultural and economic ecosystems.