– and the European Charter The Broads National Park – and the European Charter Bruce Hanson MA Brussels 2016

Nearest neighbours in Netherlands, not the UK The Broads

Broads National Park Britain’s only wetland National Park and one of the most important wetlands in Europe Britain’s Nature Capital – more rare and endangered species than anywhere else in the UK Seriously at risk from Climate Change! Sustainability is critical to the survival of the Broads Large areas below sea level – so the first UK National Park to disappear under the waves, perhaps…?

Tourism – drives the economy of the Broads Visitor numbers (2015) 7.4 Million Economic impact £584 Million Jobs dependent 7,245

Mainstream tourism in the Broads 850 holiday cruisers for hire 250 day boats for hire 8000 private motor boats 6 big passenger trip boats Boat building businesses And lots of land-based activities So big challenges for the environment

– in a fragile eco-system Managing Tourism – in a fragile eco-system Needs Sensitive Planning & Management Sustainable Tourism Strategy & Action Plan

‘Loving Them To Death’ (1993) ‘ Sustainable Tourism – a long history in the Broads ‘Loving Them To Death’ (1993) ‘

Sustainable Tourism in the Broads

Strategy developed in close partnership with stakeholders – following Charter principles

Broads National Park Charter Park since 2006 Charter process key to changing what had been a difficult relationship with the tourism business community Extensive consultations with wide range of stakeholders External consultant somehow changed perceptions of BA Forum established with Charter written in constitution Third time around – verification process getting harder!

Broads Tourism’s Constitution Broads Tourism will work in partnership with the Broads Authority to: Promote the Broads National Park as a recreational, leisure and holiday destination in accord with the second duty of the BA which is to “promote people’s understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area”. (b) Develop, deliver and regularly review actions within the Strategy and Action Plan for Sustainable Tourism consistent with the adoption of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, and provide guidance and assistance with applications for relevant grant funding.

Conservation works funded by visitors Visitor Payback The tourism industry depends upon the natural environment of the Broads, yet it inevitably adds to the pressures on this already fragile eco-system Love the Broads Conservation works funded by visitors

Green Tourism Business Scheme “Tourism businesses working towards exceeding customer expectations in a responsible manner”

Green Boat Mark The first green accreditation scheme for hire boats developed in the Broads as a result of the Charter – and now in the Netherlands too

The European dimension - learning from each other – taking Broads business people on exchange visits

The value of the Charter to us in the Broads…. The Charter gives us a brilliant framework for our work with the tourism business community and the award is a tribute to this partnership – a clear demonstration that nature is the winner when we all work together.

The Broads Tourism is a Force for Good The Message is Constant Britain’s Magical Waterland