Vision

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is a model of authenticity in heritage development and ecotourism, a truly fascinating and “foreign” place here in the middle of the U.S. culture.  The area manages to be authentic and real, while offering outstanding amenities for residents and visitors who seek a relaxed but active break from the everyday.”

Mission

“The mission of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is to build understanding and identity, raising local, regional, and national awareness of the Atchafalaya; to strengthen the fabric of the place; to expand economic opportunities and to increase the community collaboration and involvement within the parishes that constitute the heritage area while supporting a healthier Atchafalaya ecosystem and enhancing natural resource-based recreation opportunities.”
 

Goals

Goal 1: Build Understanding and Identity

If the factors that make the Atchafalaya region unique and beloved by its residents are to last in the face of change, there is a need to popularize a stronger regional identity and to cultivate a heightened appreciation of the authentic. Interpretation – communicating truthful information about people and places in an interesting and engaging manner – is something we need. And, properly done, interpretive programs can also enhance the appeal of the region to discerning visitors.

Goal 2: Expand Economic Opportunities

For centuries, people found many ways to earn a living from the Atchafalaya Heritage Area. Today, however, the region’s economy is not especially diverse and thus is vulnerable to downturns born of broader economic forces. The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area will find ways to stimulate investment while remaining vigilant about protecting the region’s sensitive lands and other cultural and natural resources. Achieving this balancing act will diversify the economy and create jobs, while also improving the experience of being in the heritage area as a resident, an employer, or a visitor.
 

Goal 3: Strengthen Place

There are distinct physical elements that define the Atchafalaya region. The cultural landscape here is unique and involves the interplay between natural resources and the effects of centuries of habitation by those who have carved livings out of the swamp and those who tried to control nature. More recognition and protection is needed for the important vernacular townscapes and buildings that give the region its strong sense of time and place.
 

Goal 4: Increase Community Collaboration and Involvement

Resilient communities collaborate across jurisdictions and have a high degree of involvement by local residents. This collaboration, involvement, and local leadership and institutions (local government, service clubs, churches, and non-profit organizations) can work effectively toward achieving shared goals.
 

Goal 5: Support a Healthier Atchafalaya Ecosystem

Just as aspects of culture and the built environment are important to the heritage area, the natural environment is also a critical resource – inextricably linked to the region’s economy, culture, history and traditions. Preserving and restoring the natural environment is a foundation for economic vitality, recreation opportunities and tourism development. Tensions between extractive industries and natural resource preservation need to be balanced appropriately.
 

Goal 6: Enhance Recreation Opportunities

The wild and “foreign” landscape of the Atchafalaya Basin provides a distinctive recreational experience. Protection and enhancement of existing active and passive recreational opportunities can enhance the broader appreciation of the Atchafalaya ecosystem, culture and history.