RELEVANCE AND A SENSE OF CONNECTION IN CANADA'S NATIONAL PARKS

PANEL SESSION

CONVENER:

SYMPOSIA ABSTRACT:

Parks Canada, as many national parks organizations around the world, has come to realize that the on-going sustainability of national parks is heavily dependent on the support of the population and of the decision-makers. This support is clearly a result of national parks being relevant in the minds and the lives of Canadians. In order to ensure our service offer remains responsive and relevant to the changing Canadian society, that the visitors and stakeholders have the opportunity to understand and appreciate the uniqueness and significance of the natural resources protected in national parks and that these resources are protected for future generations, Parks Canada has developed and is implementing measures for creating relevance and a sense of connection with visitors, stakeholders and partners. To support manage-ment decisions in achieving these objectives, Parks Canada is investing in a renewed social science program that focuses on visitor expectations, needs, interests, patterns of use and sense of attachment as well as on emerging trends in Canadian society. This information in conjunction with data gathered through ecosystem monitoring programs guide decisions as the organization is investing in the renewal of visitor facilities and programs. Parks Canada specialists will elaborate on the different strategies and will illustrate their implementation with 3 examples:
Recreational activities assessment Process;
Integration and renewal of the visitor experience infrastructure in Banff national park;
Healthy parks for people — Prince Edward Island national park.