More green for nature adventures

Forests that smell of pine and spruce. Crystal clear lakes. Pristine peaks. Outdoor businesses and organizations depend on a healthy environment to provide unforgettable experiences. It is therefore not surprising that some engage in a process to reduce their own ecological footprint.

This is how a first group of 17 companies, from practically all regions of Quebec, embarked on a journey to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions as part of a project led by Aventure Écotourisme Québec, Low Carbon Transition.

These companies, such as Noryak Aventures on the North Shore, Rafting Nouveau Monde in the Laurentians or Aventure Rose-des-Vents in Saguenay, will first have to establish their carbon footprint.

“We are embarking on an inventory, a precise calculation of our GHGs [gaz à effet de serre], says Ariane Grenier, executive assistant at Sentiers Québec Charlevoix/La Traversée de Charlevoix. They gave us a tool that we have to fill out. It’s quite specific, for example: how many liters were consumed in such a tool, in such a vehicle, what purchases were made, how many chairs were purchased, were they made in Quebec, and so on. »

It will then be a question of giving yourself a plan to reduce your footprint. “What actions can we take? What can’t we do? Because we may not have the means, material or financial. But at least it’s good to know,” she adds.

A proactive organization

Like many companies in the sector, Sentiers Québec-Charlevoix had already launched a series of initiatives to protect the environment that do not only affect greenhouse gas emissions.

For example, the organization collaborates with GUEPE (United Group of Educators-Naturalists and Environmental Professionals) to train its employees and educate customers about the alpine vegetation characteristic of the high plateaus of Charlevoix.

The partners will in particular install ropes and awareness panels on peaks that have been degraded by certain practices, such as wild camping.

Sentiers Québec-Charlevoix has undertaken to develop designated campsites to redirect hikers there and thus protect the peaks. “It is an action that does not have a direct impact on GHGs, but it is important,” continues Ariane Grenier.

With the Enclume cooperative, Sentiers Québec-Charlevoix launched a feasibility study on the creation of a linear park that would follow the route of the Traversée de Charlevoix.

“That doesn’t mean it’s going to happen,” says M^me Attic. We have to consult a lot of people, because we cross a lot of already organized territories, ZECs. But for us, it would give us leverage to be able to protect natural places a little more strictly because at present, our hands are tied, we don’t have any leverage other than raising awareness. »

In the meantime, Sentiers Québec-Charlevoix has undertaken to reduce energy consumption in its chalets, in particular by installing solar panels and more efficient wood stoves.

Commendable efforts

Aventurex, a company that offers climbing activities and via ferrata courses, is also taking part in the low-carbon Transition course to improve a balance that it already considers low.

“In our sector, mountain adventure, we don’t consume too much energy,” says the big boss of Aventurex, François-Guy Thivierge.

The Montagne du Diable regional park has also come a long way: it promotes local purchases, whether it is food, wood or equipment. It encourages carpooling for its employees and even allows them to sleep on site when they have back-to-back workdays.

“Low carbon transition is the continuity of the awareness that we have had for years and the eco-responsible practices that we have already put in place”, indicates the director of the park, Isabelle Legault.

Ariane Grenier, from Sentiers Québec-Charlevoix, is delighted with the professional support that the companies will benefit from, but also with the possibility of talking to each other.

“We will have a group meeting in October to take stock and to see, collectively, what efforts will have to be made. »