The Riverwind Foundation Program Plan2017

1. IntroductionThe mission of the Riverwind Foundation is to empower individuals, organizations, and communities to explore, experience, and exchange perspectives of economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The purpose of the Jackson Hole & Yellowstone Sustainable Destination Program is to strengthen, sustain, and balance the programs, policies, and practices for environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic vitality in and of Teton County, Wyoming. This Plan describes the vision and goals of the Program and the actions that will be taken to achieve these for this year.

The vision of the Jackson Hole & Yellowstone Sustainable Destination Program is for Teton County (Jackson Hole and the southern half of Yellowstone National Park) to be a global leading sustainable destination and community.

The goals of the Program are to:a. Create, implement, and maintain an action plan to strive towards and fulfill the purpose and

vision of the Programb. Facilitate the networking and collaboration of stakeholdersc. Serve as a source of information, training, and programming for stakeholdersd. Create and maintain a platform for integrating and providing information on the

sustainability programs, policies, tools, and practices in Teton County, Wyominge. Educate and promote the principles of sustainability to the public, governmental

organizations, nongovernmental organizations, private industry, and visitorsf. Provide an interface and serve as a liaison between the Program and programs and

organizations outside of Teton County, Wyoming

2. BackgroundOur community and region have a significant history of stewardship beginning with the creation of the world’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park, in 1872. This achievement was followed by the establishment of the Caribou-Targhee and Bridger-Teton National Forests, the National Elk Refuge, Grand Teton National Park, Wild & Scenic River status for the Snake River and protection of much of the Wyoming Range, including the recent buyout of gas exploration leases.

Over 140 years after this beginning, our profound history of stewardship continues with Teton County being recognized for its commitment to sustainability by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The GSTC selected Teton County in 2012 as one of only six destinations worldwide to participate in the GSTC Sustainable Destination Criteria Early Adopters Program.

In this program, our community’s sustainability efforts were evaluated according to the most widely accepted and highest standards for sustainability for destinations. In addition to worldwide publicity for our efforts, we received a report documenting the results of an evaluation of our community’s performance according to these standards. The conclusion of the GSTC report was that “Teton County more than any other place in the world has the potential to become a leader as a sustainable destination” and that we have the natural capital, human capacity, and financial resources to realize this potential. In so doing, we become more competitive as a destination for visitors who increasingly place value on the environmental and social responsibility of the places and businesses where they spend their time and money. The United Nations World Tourism Organization has stated that ”The buildup of consumer’s socio-environmental awareness of tourism development is leading to increased scrutiny on the part of the public in destination decision-making and a growing requirement for new tourism developments to be sustainable.” The Center for Responsible Travel has compiled research and statistics on travel trends (see http://sustainabledestination.org/information-resources), including the following:

- A 2012 TripAdvisor Member Survey found that the green travel trend is gaining momentum with 71% saying they plan to make more eco-friendly choices in the next 12 months compared to 65% that did so in the past 12 months.

- A 2010 GBTA and IMEX Global Survey found more than 51% of meeting planners will hold meetings only in sustainable venues.

- According to a 2012 Nielsen Wire Survey, two thirds (66%) of consumers around the world say they prefer to buy products and services from companies that have implemented programs to give back to society. 46% are willing to pay extra for products and services from socially responsible companies, and a majority (51%) of those under 40 are willing to do so.

In 2016, Jackson Hole was recognized as one of the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations in the world. Then, in December 2016, National Geographic selected the Riverwind Foundation’s Jackson Hole & Yellowstone Sustainable Destination Program as one of the three Finalists for the World Legacy Award for Destination Leadership. Over 100 destinations from 45 countries applied for the most prestigious award in the travel and tourism industry.

The use of the term Sustainable in this Plan is based on the following definition of sustainability: “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” – 1987 UN Bruntland Report

The following are related terms and definitions:Sustainability: “A system of practices that are healthy for the environment, community and economy and can be maintained for current and future generations.” – Jackson/Teton County Comprehensive Plan

Sustainable Tourism: “Tourism that leads to the management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems.” – UN World Tourism Organization

Responsible Tourism: “Tourism that maximizes the benefits to local communities, minimizes negative social or environmental impacts, and helps local people conserve fragile cultures and habitats or species.” – Center for Responsible Travel

Geotourism: “Tourism that sustains and enhances the geographical character of a place – its natural resources and environment, culture and arts, history and heritage, and the aesthetics and well-being of its residents.” – National Geographic Society & National Geotourism Council

Ecotourism: “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people.” The International Ecotourism Society

3. Projects

3.1 Jackson Hole Sustainability Promotions CampaignPurpose: To leverage National Geographic’s selection of Jackson Hole and the Jackson Hole & Yellowstone Sustainable Destination Program as a Finalist in the Destination Leadership category of the World Legacy AwardsNotes: The Riverwind Foundation in partnership with the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce developed a tool kit for businesses and organizations to promote Jackson Hole as a world-leading sustainable destination and community, and their own sustainability activities and accomplishments. Representatives of the Riverwind Foundation and Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce will attend ITB, the world’s largest travel and tourism event, in Berlin on March 8 – 11. National Geographic will present the finalists and announce the winner in each World Legacy Award category during the March 8 awards ceremony attended by the senior officials of National Geographic, the travel and tourism industry, and media. National Geographic will also be facilitating a panel of World Legacy Award finalists on March 10, including the Riverwind Foundation. Media from around the world will be interviewing the finalists during the ITB, which in addition to National Geographic’s outreach of 450 million, will provide unprecedented earned media exposure for Jackson Hole. The nature of the post ITB Berlin promotions campaign will depend on whether Jackson Hole is the winner of the Destination Leadership World Legacy Award.

3.2 Sustainability Training & Technical Assistance “Hotshots” ProjectPurpose: To assess and educate businesses and organizations on sustainability standards and practices, and provide assistance for applying for recognition by the RRR Business Leaders and TripAdvisor Green Leaders programsTarget: Increase the number of businesses and organizations that qualify as RRR Business Leaders from 100 to 200, and the number of lodging properties that qualify as TripAdvisor Green Leaders from 3 to 20Notes: Up and coming green collar professionals (a.k.a. Hotshots) have been selected and trained to assess, educate, and assist businesses and organizations interested in becoming more sustainable and meeting local and international sustainability standards. The Hotshots assist businesses and organizations to take the RRR Business Leaders survey over the course of a 60-90-minute meeting. These meetings include education on sustainability policies and practices, discussion of businesses’ sustainability needs, interests, and challenges, and submitting the survey to Teton County Integrated Solid Waste & Recycling for scoring. Project management attends these meetings when lodging properties are interested in applying for TripAdvisor’s Green Leaders recognition. The Hotshots also provide post-meeting follow up with businesses, including helpful information resources and suggestions for further improvement. Areas of sustainability assessment, education, and technical assistance include but are not limited to purchasing and waste management, alternative fuels, energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainability management and planning

3.3 Jackson Hole Sustainability Report CardPurpose: To create and disseminate the first annual sustainability report to Jackson Hole business, organizations, government agencies, schools, residents and visitors of community sustainability goals, progress towards these goals, and our challenges and opportunities. Target: A first annual report card print distribution of 8,000 and TBD additional report cards electronically downloaded or transmittedNotes: The primary objective of this project is to create an annual report card on the progress toward community sustainability goals and international sustainability standards for destinations. High school students will gain knowledge and practical experience in sustainability standards; measures/indicators of environmental, social, and economic sustainability; and research, analysis, and selection of sustainability indicators for inclusion in the Report Card through participation with and mentorship by key sustainability stakeholders in the creation of the report card. Projected outcomes and benefits of this project include:

- Increasing the level of education of and engagement in community sustainability activities

- Designing and implementing sustainability education curriculum in schools- Providing sustainability training of businesses, nonprofit organizations,

government agencies, and school educators- Informing and assisting other community stakeholders in critical thinking,

problem solving, and decision making for sustainability challenges and initiatives

- Supporting information needs for grant funding decisions and opportunities- Evaluating public and private environmental policies and practices- Support certification as a sustainable community and destination- Creating a model for other communities to use for baselining, tracking, and

evaluating their progress toward sustainability standards, goals and objectives

3.4 Jackson Hole Sustainability Code of ConductPurpose: To disseminate the Jackson Hole Sustainability Code of Conduct to businesses, organizations, government agencies, schools, residents, and visitorsTarget: Over 60,000 visitors through the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce’s Explorer Magazine, over 400 attendees of the annual SHIFT event, and TBD recipients via downloads from partner’s online mediaNotes: The Jackson Hole Sustainability Code of Conduct was developed in collaboration with high school faculty and students, and members of the Steering Committee and Council of the Jackson Hole & Yellowstone Sustainable Destination Program. The Jackson Hole Sustainability Code of Conduct is in poster, flyer, and brochure forms. The objectives of the Code of Conduct are to:

- Inform the behavior of visitors and residents in their recreation in the natural environment and community

- Create a greater awareness and level of education among visitors and residents of the sustainability values of Jackson Hole

- Promote opportunities for visitors and residents to further engage in and support local sustainability initiatives

- Provide a marketing and public relations tool for our destination

3.5 Change by Degrees: Addressing Climate Change Discussion CoursePurpose: To provide small-group conversation, exploration of ideas, and inspiration for personal action on climate changeNotes: This six-week, one-night per week discussion course is guided by the Northwest Earth Institute’s workbook and recommended readings, and is limited to 12 persons. Over six 90-minute facilitated sessions, participants will discuss the cultural values and resulting actions that contribute to our current climate crisis, deepen in understanding of the history and science of climate change, and identify both individual and community level actions to curb climate change and create a sustainable energy future.

3.6 Jackson Hole Sustainability HeroesPurpose: To promote sustainability awareness, literacy and engagement in our community through a recognition programTarget: Four quarterly awards and media blastsNotes: Based on the information obtained through the sustainability inventory projects of 2014 and 2016, the Hotshots project, and the sustainability training & technical assistance program, the Jackson Hole & Yellowstone Sustainable Destination Program Steering Committee will identify, evaluate, and select businesses, organizations, and individuals who deserve to be recognized for their outstanding contributions and commitment to our community’s sustainability

3.7 Destination/Community Sustainability Certification & AwardsPurpose: To identify opportunities for Jackson Hole to be formally certified and recognized as a world-class sustainable destination/community. Target: The specific certification and/or awards program and level is TBDNotes: This project will consist of research to identify the most applicable and beneficial sustainable destination/community certification and awards programs and evaluate Jackson Hole’s sustainability performance relative to the standards and criteria in these certification programs. Based on this research and evaluation effort, the certification and/or awards program that is the best fit for Jackson Hole may be chosen and applied for in 2017 or later.

3.8 Collaboration with The Long RunPurpose: To promote private-sector sustainability through the standards and programs offered by The Long RunNotes: The Long Run is a not-for-profit international organization whose membership is nature-based tourism businesses. TLR “seeks to support, connect & inspire nature-based businesses to excel in following the highest standards of sustainability encompassing conservation, community, culture, and commerce (the 4Cs).” Their goal is to “to conserve 20 mission acres of biodiversity & improve the life of 2 mission people by 2020.”

4. ScheduleThe schedule to implement the projects described in this Plan is summarized in this section.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecJH Sustainability Promotions Campaign

X X X X X X

Hotshots Project X X X X X XJH Sustainability Report Card

X X X X X X X X X X

JH Sustainability Code of Conduct

X X X X X X X X X X X X

Change by Degrees Discussion Course

X X

JH Sustainability Heroes

X X X X

Certification/Awards X X X X X X X X XCollaboration with The Long Run

X X X X X X X X X X X X