The Juno Beach Centre

The Juno Beach Centre’s commitment to sustainable development got properly underway in 2019. Located on a coastline rich in biodiversity, it had just passed the milestone of 100 000 visitors per year, which prompted it to consider the impacts of mass tourism. Surrounded by the sea, a river and a port, the museum is susceptible to the threats of climate change and urban development.

During the periods of lockdown in 2020, a sustainable development strategy and action plan were drawn up, linked to a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) strategy and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. After mapping out the challenges and impacts, an overall approach was set out, embodied in four pillars of action:

• Reduce direct and indirect environmental impact and create a circular economy;
• Engage with visitors and commit to employees;
• Take action to protect biodiversity;
• Work with others.

Beginning in 2020, the first significant actions sought to involve visitors and develop partnerships with like-minded local organisations. One key initiative was to produce a report on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the museum’s activities. The not unexpected conclusion – that visitor transport accounted for 80% of emissions – led the JBC to team up with French rail operator SNCF to offer cut-price admission to visitors travelling by train. In the same vein are actions in line with local cycling development policies, and the desire is to go ever further. The museum is also committed to following best practice in the use of sustainable, environmentally friendly displays. Its latest exhibition, “From Dieppe to Juno”, was designed using 95% of the display material from the previous exhibition.

Within the museum team, a process of co-construction aims to ensure everyone finds their place, with the aid of a road map coordinated by the management. A 5% reduction per year in the museum’s GHG emissions, in line with the Paris Agreement, is among the priority targets. A list of actions to be undertaken (saving energy, waste management, staff VPN, virtual tours, etc.) and a timescale are also presented.

Concerning funding, some projects are “zero cost”, for instance the suggested eco-friendly practices for staff and visitors. Others are funded out of the museum’s operating budget. As regards the large-scale projects, applications have been made for external funding, some of which has already been secured. For example, the museum’s planned upgrade in preparation for a sustainable extension project (eco-friendly coffee shop and low-carbon gift shop) is in receipt of regional and European funding.

The JBC is in step with a move towards responsible tourism locally, regionally and nationally. It must adapt in order to get the message across to its audience and convince its partners to join with it, without overshadowing its primary purpose: remembrance, the link with Canada and actions to attract and welcome visitors. Museums, and centres for remembrance in particular, have a role to play in raising public awareness about sustainable development issues. Rooted in their localities, yet outward-looking and multicultural, they are ready to welcome and listen to all comers and, ultimately, are working to make learning accessible, fun and engaging, while also developing environmental awareness.