CONSERVATION

Before we discuss our commitment to Conservation & Sustainable Tourism as a business, it is good to understand what Sustainable Tourism, Ecotourism and Responsible Tourism means.

What does Sustainable Tourism Mean?

Sustainable Tourism refers to sustainable practices in and by the tourism industry. It is an aspiration to acknowledge all impacts of tourism, both positive and negative. It aims to minimize the negative impacts and maximize the positive ones. Negative impacts to a destination include economic leakage, damage to the natural environment and overcrowding to name a few. Positive impacts to a destination include job creation, cultural heritage preservation and interpretation, wildlife preservation landscape restoration, and more. Sustainable tourism is defined by the UN Environment Program and UN World Tourism Organization as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.” Additionally, they say that sustainable tourism “refers to the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development, and a suitable balance must be established between these three dimensions to guarantee its long-term sustainability” (UNEP & UNWTO, 2005: 11-12. Making Tourism More Sustainable – A Guide for Policy Makers).

What is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism is a niche segment of tourism in natural areas. The term emerged in the late 1980s. Fennell described it as such: “Ecotourism is a sustainable form of natural resource-based tourism that focuses primarily on experiencing and learning about nature, and which is ethically managed to be low-impact, non-consumptive, and locally-oriented. It typically occurs in natural areas, and should contribute to the conservation or preservation of such areas” (Fennell, 1999: 43. Ecotourism: An Introduction). The Mohonk Agreement (2000), a proposal for international certification of Sustainable Tourism and Ecotourism, saw ecotourism as “sustainable tourism with a natural area focus, which benefits the environment and communities visited, and fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation, and awareness.” The ecotourism definition by the  Global Ecotourism Network (GEN): “Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and creates knowledge and understanding through interpretation and education of all involved (visitors, staff and the visited).”

Understanding What Responsible Tourism Represents

Responsible tourism is like sustainable tourism, however as often the word sustainability is often overused and not understood, responsible tourism has been adopted as a term used by industry. Responsible tourism is any form of tourism that can be consumed in a more responsible way. Responsible tourism is tourism which:
  • minimizes negative social, economic and environmental impacts
  • generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities
  • improves working conditions and access to the industry
  • involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
  • makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity
  • provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
  • provides access for physically challenged people
  • is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence

Understanding Our Fees

When joining a tour with us; you as a visitor to this region will be contributing to the wellbeing of the ecosystem that we are adventuring through. We add a number of fees to your overall tour cost that go directly toward to the Stewardship of the lands, which are managed by the local First Nations, BC Parks and Parks Canada. What are they and what do they mean? Click each fee below to learn more.

The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Fee Long Beach Nature Tours, are unwaveringly committed to truth and reconciliation. Recognizing the historical injustices and systemic inequalities that have marginalized and harmed local First Nation communities, we pledge to confront our past, acknowledge the truth, and actively work towards reconciliation. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of openness, understanding, and inclusivity, where diverse voices are heard, respected, and valued. Through transparent communication, education, and meaningful action, we strive to contribute to the healing of wounds, promote justice, and build bridges towards a more equitable and harmonious future for all. We acknowledge the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations unceded traditional territory and follow their rules and governance of this region. As Tribal Parks Allies we are committed to supporting the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s vision of achieving a socially and ecologically just conservation economy, where every dollar spent supports the ecological protection and restoration of the Tribal Parks ancestral gardens and the resurgence of Tla-o-qui-aht culture and governance. A 1% fee is added to all of our tours that gets donated annually to the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. To learn more about the Tribal Park Ally Program & the Tribal Park Guardian Program visit: https://tribalparks.com/

The Ahousaht First Nation Fee Long Beach Nature Tours, are unwaveringly committed to truth and reconciliation. Recognizing the historical injustices and systemic inequalities that have marginalized and harmed local First Nation communities, we pledge to confront our past, acknowledge the truth, and actively work towards reconciliation. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of openness, understanding, and inclusivity, where diverse voices are heard, respected, and valued. Through transparent communication, education, and meaningful action, we strive to contribute to the healing of wounds, promote justice, and build bridges towards a more equitable and harmonious future for all. We acknowledge the Ahousaht First Nations unceded traditional territory and follow their rules and governance of this region. We are committed to supporting the Ahousaht First Nation’s vision to exercise and invest in stewardship and the sustainable management of the resources of ʕaḥuusʔatḥ haḥuułii in such a manner so as to balance Ahousaht cultural values, ecological integrity, and the social and economic wellbeing of the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ people. A 1% fee is added to all of our tours that gets donated annually to the Ahousaht Nation. To learn more about the the Ahousaht Stewardship Fund visit: https://mhssahousaht.ca/stewardship-fee/

Park Permits Long Beach Nature Tours holds commercial park use permits for all the Provincial and National Parks that we operate within. In order to achieve these permits, LBNT must first apply to the appropriate department. The application will then be reviewed by BC Parks/Parks Canada in consultation with the local First Nations community and award entry to the park for commercial purposes, if agreed to by both parties.  Every tour that is operated within a Provincial or National Park will have a Park Permit fee added to the tour rate. This fee is different for every Park we visit and the dollar value is determined by the governing agency. This fee is collected and paid annually by Long Beach Nature Tours.

Fuel Surcharge For any tours involving boat transportation, a Fuel Surcharge will be applied. Since our rates are typically established well in advance, predicting fuel costs throughout the operating season is challenging. It's not uncommon for fuel prices to double overnight, especially during the summer months, making operations considerably more expensive for us. The Fuel Surcharge is a fee collected to address the ongoing and unpredictable fluctuations in fuel costs.

Ocean Friendly Business

Long Beach Nature Tours is a certified Ocean Friendly Business. We eliminate unnecessary plastics, divert waste from landfill, and adopt regenerative practices with the assistance and guidance from the Surfrider Foundation. Resources, innovative ideas, and best practices developed through this campaign are shared with the entire business community in the Pacific Rim.

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Commercial Bear Viewing

We are proud members of the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of British Columbia (CVBA). The CVBA is dedicated to conservation, supporting research, and guide training. As a member company we adhere to the CBVA Best Management Practices and Code of Conduct. We ensure that as a commercial operator, we do not disturb bears from daily activities. Our small boats are designed with a low impact visual profile and to view bears quietly with minimal engine noise. To learn more about the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC and which companies are certified, visit their website.

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Marine Debris Removal Initiative

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, most tour companies lost their entire 2020 and 2021 operating seasons, resulting in severe financial challenges and realities. In response, the SSTOA and the Wilderness Tourism Association of BC pivoted to collaboratively seek alternative options for generating revenue, mitigating massive financial losses, employment of crew, and contributing to the social, cultural, ecological, and economic well-being of the BC coast. Long Beach Nature being closed for the entirely of 2020 and 2021, was fortunate to be apart of the crew with this initiative and removed approximately 127 tonnes of marine debris from the coastline.

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CONTACT US

+1.250.725.3320

Box 1132 Tofino, BC V0R2Z0

OFFICE

Storm Light Outfitters

390 Main Street, Tofino BC