Coastal Gems
Nature-based Tourism
Coastal Mississippi and Alabama have an abundance of diverse and productive ecosystems that have been leveraged for nature-based tourism industry. Nature-based tourism (NBT) is a form of adventure that immerses travelers into the natural outdoors through cultural and historical experiences such as birdwatching, hiking, camping, fishing, and park and refuge visits. NBT businesses provide critical opportunities to spread awareness and education about environment and wildlife conservation issues of habitats upon which the industry depends on. The development of a local nature-based tourism workforce could enhance the offerings of current nature-based tourism providers while also developing the future of the industry as it grows. This program will help recognize NBT gems across the Mississippi and Alabama coasts while also conserving the natural areas for wildlife and the naturalists who enjoy them.
What we offer
Through this project, NBT businesses become a part of “Coastal Gems”, an environmentally enhanced NBT workforce. Coastal Mississippi and Alabama NBT businesses are encouraged to join by partaking in a complementary social media series. This series will consist of environmentally educational 15-30 second videos that will promote not only their business, but also environmental awareness.
Following this PR “Coastal Gems” series, NBT businesses will be:
Added to our business directory
Businesses will be listed on the MSU Coastal Conservation and Restoration website as a “Coastal Gems”.
Workforce training
Businesses will be notified about nature based tourisms workforce trainings.
Environmental volunteers & Programs
Businesses will be connected to a network of environmental volunteers and programs (i.e., Mississippi Master Naturalist, Living Shorelines, etc.)
Environmental stewardship specialist
Businesses will be connected with the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant environmental stewardship specialist.
This industry could be enhanced through opportunities to diversify and provide value-added content during their current activities:
Wildlife and environmental education and products will be provided as value-added components of the nature-based tourism industry.
The framework for a nature-based tourism industry internship program will be developed.
Expand nature-based tourism initiatives across the Mississippi and Alabama region
Objectives:
Increase the current and future capacity of nature-based tourism providers.
Identify needs for nature-based tourism industry.
Provide technical expertise for wildlife education for nature-based tourism providers.
Increase the prevalence of nature-based tourism initiatives.
contact us
Mandy Rigsby, : Environmental Stewardship Specialist/Extension Associate
Partners:
