RIVERE will serve as an attractive and novel ecotourism destination for both visitors and community members through key relationships. The Center’s goal is to showcase water research, education, and cultural programs for the community. Highlights of how RIVERE will support ecoculture and ecotourism are provided below. More details can be found in the RIVERE business plan.
RIVERE aspires to bring together Virginia Tech researchers and regional Native American Tribes to develop intentional design principles that weave Best Management Practices watershed research, sustainable agriculture, and indigenous knowledge (known as ‘Traditional Ecological Knowledge’) throughout the surrounding landscape. The integration of Scientific Ecological Knowledge and Traditional Ecological Knowledge immersion will provide visitors with meaningful educational opportunities, inspire sustainable design principles, and serve as an example for home landscapes.