Georgian Bay Biosphere granted International Award
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Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere (GBB) is one of the non-profit organizations selected to receive a $25,000 USD award from the Airbnb Community Fund. It is a global initiative that aims to give back to the communities where Airbnb Hosts live.
“We are delighted to be one of the 2023 Community Fund recipients,” says Dr. Becky Pollock, executive director of the GBB. “It is an honour to be recognized globally as an organization making an impact in our communities.”
GBB is a non-profit charity based in Parry Sound that serves the UNESCO biosphere region of eastern Georgian Bay. Stretching from Port Severn to the French River, it contains 347,000 hectares of coastal shoreline and inland lakes, and habitat for 60 species at risk. Designated in 2004, the organization has worked for 20 years to create a sustainable and vibrant community through partnership projects that connect people and place.
“Everyone within our Biosphere region has a role to play. It is important to promote eco-tourism across rental properties, including Airbnb Hosts,” says Pollock, “and we have enjoyed presenting workshops on ‘How to Make Your Property More Sustainable’ to help owners reduce environmental impact and gain significant energy and cost savings. Guests are often looking for hosts that offer composting, natural products, electric vehicle charging, and bicycles or eBikes to explore the area. Airbnb Hosts in Parry Sound-Muskoka have been committed to a number of best practices, and reducing their overall climate impact, which is great to see.”
