PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Beloeil, November 14 – The COVABAR OBV Richelieu | Saint-Laurent zone and Fondation Rivières are proud to announce the launch of a major project aimed at developing a sustainable cohabitation model on the Richelieu River, by bringing together the key players in the region. This is the first time that tourism and environmental stakeholders have been brought together around the same table with the aim of strengthening the distinctive appearance of the Richelieu River.
The project, which runs until the summer of 2024, will enhance the recreational and tourism potential of the river, by proposing water access facilities to allow everyone to access the river. respecting natural environments. It is the fruit of a series of collaborations between COVABAR and Fondation Rivières, who both have the Richelieu at heart.
“It is a sustainable tourism project which involves environmental protection and equitable sharing of the waterway for all types of users. One of the objectives is to pool knowledge on sensitive environments, in order to make them known and better protect biodiversity,” underlines André Bélanger, director of Fondation Rivières. The organization will be called upon for its expertise in water quality and access to waterways.
Sylvain Lapointe, general director of COVABAR, emphasizes the innovative aspect of the project: “It is an ambitious consultation pilot project, which has the potential to become a model for other regions of Quebec. »
The elected officials of the MRC de la Vallée-du-Richelieu signed a declaration of commitment on September 21, 2023 for the protection and sustainability of the Richelieu River, which recognizes its cultural and heritage wealth.
“The Richelieu River is at the heart of our action,” emphasizes Mr. Lapointe. This project is essential to ensure concerted and sustainable management of this important natural resource. For us, it is also a way of implementing our water master plan, particularly on the issues of accessibility to natural environments and the river, as well as the protection of water quality. »
The project steering committee brings together the MRC de la Vallée-du-Richelieu, the MRC de Rouville, the MRC Pierre-de-Saurel, Tourisme Haut-Richelieu, Loisirs et sports Montérégie and Tourisme Montérégie. Other local organizations will be asked to participate in the consultation as the project progresses. The Anvil, a land-use planning cooperative, will be responsible for making plans for one of the chosen accesses. Following phase 1 of the project, the objective is for the consultation body that will be set up to continue its mandate for sustainable cohabitation on the river.
This project is financially supported by the Government of Quebec in the amount of 201,429$ as part of “Sustainable destination and concerted action”, a support measure administered by the Quebec Action Fund for Sustainable Development (FAQDD) arising from Plan for a green economy 2030 and the Action Plan for responsible and sustainable tourism 2020-2025.
“Responsible and sustainable tourism is more than just a trend: it is the tourism of the future. Our industry is increasingly mobilized to integrate its principles into its practices, and this project demonstrates it perfectly. With the Sustainable Destination and Concerted Action measure, our government intends to support projects that help protect our environment and ensure that host communities are an integral part of the development of the tourism offer and benefit from the benefits of tourism. » – Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region
“Our government is proud to financially support this project as part of Sustainable Destination and Concerted Action, since it aligns perfectly with the objectives of our Plan for a Green Economy 2030, which aims to equip the economic sector and businesses in their process of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. » – Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks and Minister responsible for the Laurentides region
“We welcome this concerted approach aimed at preserving and democratizing access to the Richelieu River. By promoting and preserving natural heritage through increased consultation with host communities, this project offers an inspiring model of tourism.
responsible and sustainable. It is also an excellent way to develop the local tourist offer while respecting ecosystems. » – Nicolas Girard, general director of the FAQDD
About COVABAR OBV Richelieu | Saint-Laurent area
COVABAR is a social economy enterprise recognized by the Government of Quebec, within the framework of the National Water Policy (2002) and according to the Law affirming the collective nature of water resources and aiming to strengthen their protection (2009 ) whose mission is to implement integrated water resources management (IWRM) in a sustainable development approach for its entire territory.
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Source
Sylvain Lapointe
General Manager
COVABAR OBV Richelieu | Saint-Laurent area
450-446-8030 ext. 209
