Biosphere - Discussion Event

from Nic Coombey

Biosphere Tourism & Local Products Event Food, Culture and Arts & Crafts - 22^nd September 2011, Catstrand, New Galloway

The proposed Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere

The Biosphere has the opportunity to impact on a wide range of cross cutting themes within the region.  It’s development needs to effectively engage a diverse set of interests in the creation and marketing of an image that is widely recognised and held to represent quality and environmental sustainability.

 

In order to progress a discussion about the opportunities and the challenges that attaining Biosphere status would bring to the development of tourism and businesses within the area (and beyond), we plan to hold an event that will bring together interested parties, including representatives from the industry, strategic and support agencies, communities of interest and place, etc.

Chair – Cllr Peter Convery South Ayrshire

Presentations:

1.Forest of Bowland AONB  Cathy Hopley will talk about the Forest of Bowland AONB’s experiences in using the Sense of Place as a vehicle for raising the profile of an area

2.Cairngorms Experience  Sandra Middleton works in Economic Development for the Cairngorms National Park. She has led the development of the Cairngorms Business Partnership, Cairngorms Sustainable Tourism, Marketing and Quality Assurance.

3. Sharing Local Experience  Jonathan Bryant, CE Dumfries House Heritage Tourism in economic development, community regeneration and perceptual change

4.Wilma Findlay, Chair Destination Dumfries & Galloway  Operator driven tourism initiatives

5.Alec Oattes, Chair, South Ayrshire Tourism Forum Tourism as a foundation for Community regeneration

Workshop Sessions:

Participants are invited to choose two workshops to attend, one in the morning one in the afternoon. 

1.Product and Infrastructure – Keith Muir FCS confirmed

2.Promotion and Marketing – Visit Scotland (TBC)

3.Strategic Fit – Mark Geddes DGC and Daniel Steel EAC

4. Local Products and Community Regeneration - Facilitator (TBC)

Fundamental to the success of the Biosphere reserve is ensuring community ‘buy in’ to the concept thus ensuring the opportunity to capitalise on the designation and the benefits it will bring to the local community. A large part of this involves recognising and understanding the value of your own and neighbouring localities.

more info: nic@sup.org.uk