The country’s natural wonders can thrive with our help
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Recently, many of Australia’s iconic natural wonders have been increasingly challenged, from the series of coral bleaching events and cyclones that hit the Great Barrier Reef to the catastrophic wildfires that swept through southern Australia’s Kangaroo Island (KI) in 2020. Restoration and conservation efforts are wide-reaching for these fragile and much-loved natural ecosystems — a testament to the resiliency of nature and the Australian people.
Great Barrier Reef recovery
The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, has been severely affected by climate change, leading to mass coral bleaching as well as major damage from cyclones.
“There is a reef levy and marine park fee included in your ticket price — that goes directly to reef conservation, management and education,” says Dawes, “Tourism really helps.”
Dawes also suggests the following steps to support reef restoration (while exploring Australia or from abroad):
- Great Reef Census from home: Analyze photos for AI.
- Collect data as a citizen scientist: Visit and partake in research, download “Eye on the reef” app.
- Voting and donating: Ensure our leaders are committed to change and support financially if it’s within your means.
- Making small more sustainable choices: Reducing plastic use, eating a sustainable diet, walking or biking.
- Reducing carbon footprint: Using public transportation, carpooling, choosing eco-friendly accommodations and travel providers.
- Avoiding harmful sunscreens: Opting for reef-safe sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. We love Blue Lizard, Sun Bum and Thinksport.
- Supporting local conservation efforts: Participating in beach cleanups, supporting local organizations working to protect the reef.
- Educating others: Spreading awareness about the importance of coral reefs and the threats they face.
Kangaroo Island rebuilding and thriving
KI — known for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes — was ravaged by the “Black Summer” bushfires in 2019-2020. The fires destroyed almost half of the island’s vegetation and threatened the survival of many of its species.
The fires began after a devastating lightning strike, which lit fuel buildup from dead leaves and sticks – the perfect conditions for a fire. Spot fires quickly turned into a major bushfire, and the wind shifted north, taking only five to six hours to sweep from the northern side of the island to the south.
The surviving fauna also have a positive impact — many mammals make bushfires less intense by eating the dead leaves and churning the soil to bring up moisture.
Travel Australia sustainably
Stay at eco-minded properties
Australia’s commitment to conservation goes beyond its natural landscapes. Certain properties and carriers lead the way in sustainable travel, allowing guests to see and experience the best Australia has to offer while minimizing their ecological footprint as much as possible.
- Reef House: In the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, this adults-only resort offers eco-friendly accommodations and immersive experiences that allow guests to connect with the reef and learn about conservation efforts. A highlight is the twice-weekly discussion with Dr. Glen Burns, a marine biologist with over three decades of experience.
- Silky Oaks Lodge: Located in the Daintree Rainforest, Silky Oaks Lodge provides luxurious and sustainable lodgings that blend seamlessly with the surrounding rainforest. Breakfast and multi-course dinners are included with your luxury “treehouse” accommodations, complete with outdoor oversized bathtubs in your own private rainforest backyard.
- Southern Ocean Lodge: Situated on KI, this lodge offers stunning (and uninterrupted) views and a commitment to sustainability, supporting local conservation projects and promoting eco-friendly practices. Receiving multiple international accolades within luxury tourism, expect world-class dining in the heart of Australia’s southern-most coastline.
Explore with intent, using eco-conscious guides and providers that respect their surroundings
- Passions of Paradise: Known as the “eco boat” on the reef, Passions goes to great lengths to educate guests on reef history and conservation, including a 45-minute marine chat on every boat. They offer eco experiences to empower travellers with extra knowledge, helping them make a direct impact on conservation efforts.
- Walkabout Cultural Adventures: A locally owned and operated Aboriginal cultural tour business based in Port Douglas that focuses on preserving, sharing and connecting travellers to the land and sea through ecotourism principles. Expect to learn traditional Kuku Yalanji cures for common ailments like sunburn, sore throat and mosquito bites using fruits, leaves and stems found on the land.
- Backcountry Bliss:Learn about theDaintree — the oldest continuing rainforest on Earth, with parts dating back 180 million years. Walk, float and swim your way through this diverse melting pot of plants and animals.
- Qantas:Fly direct from Vancouver to Sydney and through multiple ports across Canada. This carrier is committed to sustainability, offering a “Green Tier” for its frequent flyers, a Fly Carbon Neutral customer offsetting program within Australia and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)for direct emissions reduction — reducing lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent.
What’s next for Australia’s natural wonders?
The restoration and conservation efforts in Australia are a testament to the resilience of both nature and humanity. By supporting these important initiatives and choosing eco-minded travel options, as well as making small changes in our daily lives, we can all contribute to preserving and helping these important ecosystems thrive for future generations to enjoy.
ltaveroff@postmedia.com