Economic Sustainability: Increased economic productivity in a sustainable manner
Though not as new to the Nisqually River Council as social sustainability, economic sustainability is also pulling the Council in new directions. While the Council has worked with the natural resources based portion of the Nisqually Watershed for years, economic sustainability across the entire breadth of the watershed economy is new to the Council. The Council is working to bring new sustainable businesses to the watershed and is working to promote the current businesses that have been in the watershed for years. The following are the sub goals and indicators for economic sustainability.
An economy that is built on sustainable industries is critical to the success of this plan and the Nisqually watershed as a whole. We work to encourage other new and sustainable economic opportunities along with the tourism industry that is becoming well established. Our vision for sustainable businesses includes sustainable goods and services that are produced in a sustainable manner, within a culture of sustainability. We seek a healthy, vibrant economy that values the qualities that make the Nisqually watershed a wonderful place to live.
Promote the development of sustainable businesses and built communities
Indicators:
- An increase in sustainable manufacturing within the watershed
- Goods and services are produced within regenerative and/or zero-waste systems
- Increased investment in natural capital by small and large business owners
- Developed areas of the watershed support ecosystem services
Support sustainable tourism and recreation
Indicators:
- An abundance of sustainable recreation opportunities exist within the watershed
- A vital agriculture tourism industry exists
- Scenic vistas and viewpoints are protected
- Non-traditional experiential tourism is supported
Enhance economic viability of sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
Indicators:
- Increased opportunities to add value to products in order to maximize economic return for sustainable natural resource industries
- Expansion of economic opportunities for sustainable non-traditional natural resource uses
- Infrastructure exists with which to process products locally
Increase market access for watershed-based businesses
Indicators:
- Watershed marketing program is expanded to include all watershed businesses
- Regional and national recognition of the Nisqually brand
- Significant value resulting from use of Nisqually brand
This post is a continuation of the Executive Director’s Corner, a monthly blog post featuring the work of the Nisqually River Council, and an in-depth look at the Nisqually Watershed Stewardship Plan. Earlier posts covered the successes of the Nisqually River Council, an overview of the Nisqually Watershed Stewardship Plan, and ways that we promote environmental and social sustainability.
