Omni Mount Washington Resort: A Case Study in Sustainable Tourism and Heritage Preservation

Historical Context and Contribution to Global Economic Goals

The Omni Mount Washington Resort, situated in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, holds a significant place in global economic history as the site of the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference. This event was pivotal in shaping the post-war global economy, directly aligning with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The conference laid the groundwork for international economic cooperation and stability, fostering conditions for sustained and inclusive economic growth globally.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The gathering itself was a landmark example of a global partnership aimed at achieving collective financial and economic goals.

In the contemporary era, the resort continues to support SDG 8 by serving as a major employer and economic driver for the region through its focus on sustainable tourism.

Ecotourism Initiatives and Alignment with Environmental SDGs

The resort has leveraged its location to become a premier destination for ecotourism, offering activities that promote environmental appreciation while contributing to key Sustainable Development Goals. The operational ethos emphasizes the protection and celebration of the region’s natural heritage, directly supporting SDG 15: Life on Land.

Promotion of Natural Heritage and Sustainable Gastronomy

The resort offers unique experiences designed to showcase the pristine natural environment, aligning with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, specifically its target to safeguard the world’s natural heritage.

1. Full Moon Dinner Series: This event, held at the Rosebrook Lodge, utilizes a gondola for access, minimizing ground impact. It provides guests with panoramic views of the Presidential Range under natural moonlight, fostering an appreciation for the unspoiled landscape and night sky.
2. Custom Wine Pairings: The option to include curated wine pairings promotes sophisticated gastronomy that can be integrated with locally sourced products, supporting sustainable local economies.

Low-Impact Recreational Activities

A diverse range of activities allows for immersive experiences in the White Mountains, designed to be consistent with the principles of conservation and responsible tourism.

• Equestrian Activities: The Bretton Woods Stables provide guided horseback riding, offering a low-impact method for exploring the area’s trails and appreciating the natural scenery, in line with the conservation goals of SDG 15.
• Bretton Woods Adventure Center: Facilitates rock climbing excursions for all skill levels on the natural rock faces of the West Wall, promoting responsible outdoor recreation.
• Bretton Woods Canopy Tour: This experience, featuring nine zip lines and two sky bridges, allows guests to observe the forest ecosystem from an elevated perspective, enhancing environmental awareness without disturbing the forest floor. This directly supports the educational aspect of SDG 15.

Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Appreciation

The resort provides extensive opportunities for guests to engage with and learn about the local ecosystem, a core component of SDG 15: Life on Land, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

• Hiking Trails: Access to over 2,000 miles of trails, including historic carriage paths to features like the Upper Falls and the more challenging West Mountain Hiking Trail, encourages exploration and appreciation of the region’s natural topography and scenic vistas.
• Wildlife Observation: Guests are encouraged to observe local New England birdlife. The presence of species such as the common yellowthroat, purple finch, and cedar waxwing serves as a key indicator of a healthy, thriving ecosystem, highlighting the importance of biodiversity protection as outlined in SDG 15.5.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the Omni Mount Washington Resort highlights issues and activities that connect to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article describes the resort as a major tourist destination that draws “visitors in droves.” This implies economic activity, job creation, and the promotion of a local industry (tourism) that contributes to economic growth, which is central to SDG 8.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The resort’s focus on “ecotourism” directly relates to SDG 12, which encourages sustainable production and consumption patterns. Ecotourism is a form of sustainable tourism that aims to minimize environmental impact and support local communities, aligning with the goal of using natural resources responsibly.

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The text is centered on activities that involve the sustainable use and appreciation of terrestrial ecosystems, specifically the White Mountains. It mentions the conservation of natural beauty, the protection of mountain ecosystems, and the presence of local biodiversity (birdlife), all of which are core components of SDG 15.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the activities and focus described in the article, the following specific targets can be identified:

• Target 8.9: Promote sustainable tourism

  The article explicitly states that “the property also excels at the art of ecotourism” and is an “outdoors-focused trip.” By offering activities like hiking, horseback riding, and canopy tours that depend on the natural environment, the resort is actively promoting sustainable tourism that creates jobs (implied through the operation of stables, adventure centers, and lodges) and showcases local natural assets.

• Target 12.b: Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable tourism impacts

  While the article does not mention specific monitoring tools, the business model of “ecotourism” is inherently linked to this target. The resort’s success depends on maintaining the “pristine beauty” and “immaculate beauty” of its surroundings. This implies a need to manage and monitor the impacts of its tourism activities to ensure the long-term sustainability of the very resources that attract visitors.

• Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems

  The resort promotes the sustainable use of the mountain ecosystem through its extensive recreational offerings. The mention of “over 2,000 miles of hiking trails” and “historic carriage paths” for exploring natural features like the Upper Falls demonstrates a managed and sustainable use of the surrounding forests and mountains for tourism.

• Target 15.4: Ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems

  The article is set entirely within New Hampshire’s White Mountains and emphasizes activities that allow guests to “bask in marvelous views of the mountains” and experience their “immaculate beauty.” The entire tourism model of the resort is built upon the conservation of this mountain ecosystem and its biodiversity, which is essential for its continued operation and appeal.

• Target 15.5: Halt biodiversity loss

  The article encourages visitors to “keep your eyes peeled for local New England birdlife” and specifically names species like the “common yellowthroat, purple finch and cedar waxwing.” By promoting birdwatching and highlighting local fauna, the resort’s ecotourism activities contribute to raising awareness of and appreciation for local biodiversity, which is a crucial step in its protection and the effort to halt its loss.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article, being a promotional piece, implies several indicators that could be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator for Target 8.9: Tourism-based economic activity

  The article states the resort “continues to draw visitors in droves.” The number of tourists participating in these ecotourism activities serves as a direct indicator of the economic contribution of sustainable tourism in the region.

• Indicator for Target 15.1 & 15.4: Area of protected land used for sustainable activities

  The mention of “over 2,000 miles of hiking trails” and numerous other outdoor facilities (stables, canopy tour platforms, rock climbing walls) within the mountain environment can serve as a proxy indicator for the extent of the terrestrial ecosystem being managed for sustainable use and conservation.

• Indicator for Target 15.5: Presence of local wildlife

  The specific mention of bird species such as the “common yellowthroat, purple finch and cedar waxwing” acts as a qualitative indicator of biodiversity. The continued presence of these species in the area suggests that the habitat is healthy and that biodiversity is being maintained, which is a measure of success in halting biodiversity loss.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: forbes.com