A conference for the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Unit has discussed the development of tourism within the area and the environmental impacts associated with this.

The AONB unit aims to provide a strategic, independent unit dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of the South Devon AONB and to co-ordinate and drive the AONB Management Plan.

The theme of the meeting was Natural Capital and development of tourism in the protected landscape with an array of respected guest speakers. This included businessman Michael Smith, Managing Director of the Venus Company and Esther Kieboom an environmental economist and independent expert on Natural Capital.

Michael and his wife Louisa, strive to minimise the harmful effects the business and its operations has on the environment.

In addition they strongly believe in sourcing products locally wherever possible, having significant benefits for the environment and reducing their food miles considerably.

With these ambitions, Michael is hopeful that his company will achieve its’ ambition to become the greenest beach cafe and shop operator in the country.

Esther, the facilitator of the Tin Coast partnership in West Cornwall brought some equally important contributions to the meeting when she discussed her aim to make tourism a more sustainable business.

She explained what natural Capital is and how it can increase the benefits for tourism and the local economy; examples of this include using locally produced food, embracing environmentally sustainable principles to reduce energy and waste and protecting and enhancing the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

Esther also highlighted that this sort of activity might also include the development of specific tourism products which enable discovery and understanding of the area.

The landscape is an important asset for business and the opportunity for growth, especially in the shoulder seasons, explained Diane Lethbridge, South Devon AONB Communications Officer.

The AONB Manager, Roger English stated that, “AONBs are beautiful places where the environment underpins large parts of the rural economy.”

“We would like to work more closely with businesses to help them understand that the AONB is so much more than the view and how we can collaborate for mutual benefit.

“Visitors are taking a much closer interest in green practices and as an organisation can help advise, facilitate and promote the protected landscape for its sustainable credentials.”