In these times of climate emergency and environmental issues, Aventure Écotourisme Québec is taking the lead in environment protection by joining forces with the international philanthropic organization, 1% for the Planet in order to create and implement the Outdoor Fund 1% for the Planet.
A unique collaboration, a historical partnership!
By this agreement, the Association, representing 139 businesses involved in adventure and outdoors tourism, becomes the official representative of 1% for the Planet with its members. Businesses joining the Outdoor Fund 1% for the Planet automatically become members of the international organization created by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Matthews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies.
With this unique and innovative partnership, Aventure Écotourisme Québec becomes the first adventure and ecotourism association to sign such an alliance with 1% for the Planet.
Contributing 1% of sales to save the planet
Businesses who are members of Aventure Écotourisme Québec, are therefore invited, on a voluntary basis, to contribute each year 1% of their sales to the Outdoor Fund 1% for the Planet, whether they are profitable or not. With annual sales of approximately 120 million dollars, it means 1.2 million dollars would be available to the Fund each year.
The sums collected by the Fund will be allocated to the preservation of Québec ecosystems and the fight against climate change. Part of these sums will be invested directly into the businesses in order to help them implement best practices in sustainable development.
“Québec possesses exceptional natural territories that are the primary material on which members of Aventure Écotourisme Québec rely to provide unforgettable experiences to their clients. For us, it is essential to give back and reinvest in the protection and the development of our ecosystems in order to limit the impact of climate change and protect our planet for future generations.”
“By combining the efforts of our small and medium businesses, we give the outdoors tourism sector in Québec a financial leverage to support key projects.” Pierre Gaudreault, General Manager, AEQ.
“Never has it been so urgent to take action! Our planet is dying and we cannot stick our head in the sand. We are part of the problem and, with this project, we can be part of the solution!” Richard Rémy, founder of Karavaniers, spokesperson and initiator of the project.
Anticipate the expectations of clients and leaders who are already involved
“Environmental concern is shared by tourists who, more than ever, want to reduce their ecological footprint when they travel. With this project, we wish to offer an added value to visitors and make Québec a sustainable eco-destination among international leaders.” Pierre Gaudreault, General Manager, AEQ.
Ten businesses are already involved and have asserted their leadership by joining the movement and inviting other businesses to join this initiative. Businesses which participate in the Outdoor Fund 1% for the Planet are identified on the www.fondspleinair.ca website.
Aventure Archipel, Le Bic; Authentik Canada, Montréal; Chinook Aventure, Montréal; Ékilib, Le monde à vélo, Montréal; Karavaniers, Montréal; Kinadapt, Rawdon; KSF, Montréal; La Navette Nature, Montréal; Okwari Aventure (division of Contact Nature), La Baie; Tyroparc, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts; Vallée bras de Nord, Saint-Raymond.
About Aventure Écotourisme Québec
For 30 years, Aventure Écotourisme Québec has been recognized by various ministries and organizations as THE leader and the official representative of professional adventure and nature tourism businesses in Québec. Aventure Écotourisme Québec supports more than 139 specialist businesses and makes sure that their services meet strict criteria of quality and safety.
Since 2019, the Association has been certified by 1% for the Planet as an organization contributing to the protection of the environment thanks to its ecotourism certification. In 2020, it has become the first nature and adventure association to sign a partnership with 1% for the Planet and create the Outdoor Fund 1% for the Planet in becoming the official representative of the 1% for the Planet brand.
About 1% for the Planet
It all started when two businessmen met and bonded over their shared love for the outdoors. Realizing their responsibility to protect our planet, they decided to give 1 % of their sales back to the environment, whether they were profitable or not.
In 2002, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Matthews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, created 1% for the Planet and started a global movement that today includes more than 1800 businesses and thousands of private donors in 60 countries
