The socio-ecological transition, an opportunity for the Gaspé Peninsula

March 18, 2025

CIRADD and Collectivités Zéro Emission Nette Gaspésie launch workshops to imagine the region’s future

Exploring the future” workshops will be held throughout the Gaspésie region from March to May 2025 to imagine the region in 2050. The Gaspesian population is invited to take an active part in the region’s socio-ecological transition by registering for the free workshops, which will be held throughout the territory.

These workshops are part of a project entitled Résilience face aux changements climatiques selon l’approche des chemins de transition dans la péninsule gaspésienne. This Collectivités Zéro Emission Nette Gaspésie (Collectivités ZéN Gaspésie) project is led by CIRADD, and supported by the Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities Program (CCRC) of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).

Workshops: imagining tomorrow’s Gaspésie together

Open to all, these workshops will offer the entire population, including vulnerable groups, a valuable opportunity to get actively involved in building a shared vision for the Gaspésie of tomorrow. It will be an opportunity to imagine together a prosperous, resilient, supportive and green future for the Gaspésie. The workshops are an opportunity to identify challenges and collectively reflect on solutions for our region.

• Free – 90 minutes long
• Presented in French and English
• No prior knowledge required

Based on scientific scenarios, these workshops will enable participants to plunge into different possible futures for 2050. Following the workshops, CIRADD and groups of experts will compile and analyze the results of the workshops to produce a shared vision of the Gaspé region, which will be used to build a transition plan for the region.

“When we get together, we can do great things. These workshops are a great opportunity to get together, dream together and build a common future, firmly rooted in shared aspirations and facts. Every action we take today influences our present and our future. We have the power to build a stronger, more united and richer Gaspésie right now. Every idea, every voice counts in this collective process.” – Arielle Paiement, Project Manager, CIRADD.

The project also pays particular attention to climate change adaptation and social justice. Indeed, in the face of climate upheaval, the Gaspé Peninsula must think outside the box to find solutions to adapt to this reality.

“The environmental and economic impacts of climate change are being felt in every region of Canada, including Quebec. That’s why the federal government is taking action today to help our economy and communities prepare for and protect themselves from the threat of climate change. CIRADD’s project, supported by NRCan’s CCRC program, will support essential long-term community-based efforts to keep people safe, now and in the future” – The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

“Climate change can have devastating effects on our environment and our communities. This investment will help Quebec communities adapt to future climate challenges and reduce their impact. By working together, we will be able to manage the growing threats posed by climate-related disasters.” – The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, MNA for Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine

Follow the Collectivités ZéN Gaspésie page on Facebook and LinkedIn, and visit the website (https://czengaspesie.ca) to join the process or take part in a workshop!

About CIRADD

Collectivités ZéN Gaspésie (CZéNG) is a collective formed in 2022, mobilizing 14 regional partners from a wide range of backgrounds. CIRADD has been a partner from the outset. CZéNG is one of eight active CZéNs in Quebec. CIRADD is a social innovation research center specializing in sustainable territorial development. It supports businesses, organizations and municipalities in their innovation projects and challenges, mainly in four areas: land use and development, community vitality and well-being, adaptation to social and climate change, and sustainable recreation and tourism. Affiliated with the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, the center is part of the CCTT network and Tech-Accès Canada.”