For more than two decades, TIANS has championed environmental stewardship, recognizing that Nova Scotia’s natural assets are critical to the long-term success of the tourism industry.  A key part of TIANS advocacy efforts over the years has been supporting the establishment and growth of Nova Scotia’s Parks and Protected Areas Network.

The newly released Nova Scotia Tourism Sector Strategic Plan reinforces the importance of our natural environment as a competitive advantage for Nova Scotia; and in particular, the value of parks and protected areas as critical drivers of visitation, rural development, and global competitiveness. Across the province, these special places deliver measurable benefits, attracting over one million visits annually, supporting local businesses, and acting as catalysts for entrepreneurship. They also contribute to climate resilience, water protection, and overall environmental health, reinforcing their value as natural capital.

Nova Scotia’s Protected Areas Network (PAN) has evolved over several decades. The Wilderness Areas Protection Act (1998) marked a significant milestone, designating 31 initial areas. This was followed by the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act (2007), which set a target of protecting 12% of the province’s land. More recently, the province committed to protecting 20% of Nova Scotia’s lands and waters through PAN by 2030.

While protection matters, without updated regulations that enshrine the principles of what protection means, the system remains vulnerable to land use pressures.  In this context, TIANS environmental advocacy is focused on completing the Protected Areas Network and reforming the Parks Act.

Last month the provincial government announced 13 newly proposed sites being opened for public consultation. These areas include coastal, inland, and ecologically significant landscapes with strong potential to support nature-based tourism and recreation. We encourage you to take part in the province’s consultations (underway until July 28th) and we also ask that you join TIANS in calling for a stronger regulatory framework that will ensure the long-term protection of Nova Scotia’s protected areas.

Modernizing the Parks Act in alignment with expanding the assets within PAN will preserve the intrinsic value of these places – including the importance to the Nova Scotia tourism economy.

Nova Scotia Needs Tourism – and Tourism Needs Parks and Protected Areas. A generational legacy for all Nova Scotians.

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