A UNIQUE ENDEAVOR

In 1979, a handful of biologists decided to preserve the ecological richness of the Lower St. Lawrence Islands. They founded a nonprofit organization, Société Duvetnor Ltée. With the help of partners, they purchased Les Pèlerins, two of the three islands in the Pot à l'Eau de Vie archipelago, and Île aux Lièvres. In 1989, Duvetnor decided to open some of the islands to the general public by erecting docking facilities, creating an interpretation program, setting up campsites, building a number of cottages, and purchasing boats to transport visitors. The corporation also spent considerable energy on the restoration of the long-abandoned lighthouse on Îles du Pot à l'Eau de Vie on the small satellite archipelago of Île aux Lièvres, later converting it into a charming inn. Société Duvetnor was one of the first corporations to argue for the development of an ecotourism standard of quality. This standard guarantees that businesses respect the natural environment and provide visitors first rate interpretation services.

photo at left: Jean Bédard, founder of Duvetnor