The Path We Share, A Natural Resources Strategy for Nova Scotia 2011-2020, was launched by the Government of Nova Scotia in August 2011. The strategy specifies specific goals and actions for Nova Scotia's provincial parks.

Goal: Shared stewardship

Challenge Nova Scotians to work together to create a sustainable park system for 2020 and beyond.
Actions:

• Engage the public at provincial, regional, and community levels in a focused dialogue about provincial parks.


• Inform Nova Scotians about the current park system - what the parks offer and what they cost - and ask Nova Scotians what they value.


• Involve Nova Scotians in setting priorities for a sustainable park system, addressing the issues of protection, education, recreation, and tourism.


• Develop stable, mutually accountable partnerships.

Goal: Far-sighted planning

Work collaboratively to guide the planning, management, and operation of a sustainable provincial park system.
Actions:

• Make an inventory of the biological diversity, cultural and heritage values, including Mi'kmaq archaeology and archaeological sites, and opportunities for nature-based recreation and education in provincial parks.


• Evaluate each park for its provincial, regional, and local contribution to the parks mandate (protection, education, recreation, and tourism).


• Identify parks that are essential to the provincial parks mandate, parks that are of secondary value to the mandate, and parks that are outside the mandate.


• Identify gaps in the park system, and ways to fill the gaps.


• Involve municipal and federal government parks representatives when preparing the provincial park system plan.


• Monitor the implementation of the park system plan.

Goal: Protection

Make protection of Nova Scotia's natural and cultural heritage a priority of the provincial park system.
Actions:

• Update laws and policies to emphasize protection in the planning and management of provincial parks.


• Ensure that park planning, development, and operations protect significant natural and cultural heritage assets.


• Monitor the protection of natural and cultural heritage assets.


• Work with Nova Scotia Environment to integrate the planning and reporting of the parks and protected areas programs.

Goal: Education

Deepen public understanding and appreciation of Nova Scotia's natural and cultural heritage.
Actions:

• Create new opportunities for people to explore and experience the province's natural and cultural heritage.


• Work with communities and other partners to showcase and interpret significant aspects of Nova Scotia's culture and heritage.


• Inform Nova Scotians and visitors about the wealth of learning and recreational opportunities in our provincial parks.

Goal: Recreation

Provide nature-based recreation that supports a healthy way of life for Nova Scotians, while protecting our natural and cultural heritage.
Actions:

• Identify new nature-based recreational opportunities in each park.


• Ensure that recreation activities are environmentally sustainable.