Nature-based tourism refers to tourism attractions that are based in nature with the overall goal of connecting folks to the environment around them. This can include activities such as bird watching, whale watching, kayaking, camping, hiking, fishing, historic site visits, boat tours and more.
These activities immerse tourists in a diverse range of natural resources that are rich with historical and cultural experiences allowing for deeper connection and increased appreciation of the surrounding environment.
Coastal Mississippi and Alabama have an abundance of diverse and productive ecosystems that have been leveraged for nature-based tourism industry. In addition to the experiences they provide, nature-based tourism businesses offer critical opportunities to spread awareness and education about environment and wildlife conservation issues of habitats upon which the industry depends on. The development of a local nature-based tourism environmental workforce could enhance the offerings of current nature-based tourism providers while also developing the future of the industry as it grows.
To do this, the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium is implementing a project focused on enhancing workforce development in nature-based tourism and recognizing business gems across the Mississippi and Alabama coasts. The program also will promote the conservation of natural areas for wildlife and the naturalists who enjoy them.
Nature tourism businesses can become Coastal Gems
Through this project, businesses can become a part of “Coastal Gems,” an environmentally enhanced nature-based tourism workforce that will diversify and provide value-added content.
The program is in its pilot phase and likely will recruit businesses to participate in spring of 2026. As a first step, nature-based tourism businesses will complete a survey. Then, their participation in a customized program will lead to a Coastal Gems certification.
The program likely will look different for each business because it will offer situation- and place-based programming. Overall, businesses will have to demonstrate that they have incorporated environmental education into their tourism experiences. The program also will provide a framework for a nature-based tourism industry internship program.
Master Naturalists will help support program
Mississippi Master Naturalists will assist with the Coastal Gems program. They will provide businesses with wildlife and environmental education products, such as printed outreach materials and trainings. The Mississippi Master Naturalist program will help expand the nature-based tourism initiatives across the coastal Mississippi and Alabama region.
To learn more about Coastal Gems, please visit msucoastal.com/coastal-gems/ or reach out to me, the project coordinator, at [email protected].
Meet the author
Mandy Rigsby
Ecotourism and Stewardship Specialist
As part of our Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium Engagement Team, Mandy Rigsby works with nature-based tourism businesses to connect visitors to local nature and its wildlife. She also... Read more
Phone: 228-546-1020
Email: [email protected]