Page 34 - Port Douglas Magazine 36

Daintree Eco Lodge Mossman Gorge

power, toxic free cleaning, active tree planting initiatives, waste WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
reduction, removal of single use plastics, sourcing food locally,
utilising local supply chains, while also supporting charitable Eco tourism and wildlife experiences go hand in hand, and nothing
initiatives through the Morris Family Foundation Reef Keepers gives guests more of a thrill than spotting a crocodile or bird of
Fund, are just some of the steps we have taken,” Jody said. prey in its natural habitat, according to Lady Douglas River Cruise
For the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas, making a owner/skipper Lucas Agrums. The ECO-Certified operator has
been cruising the Estuarine Conservation Zone of Dickson Inlet in
strong commitment to “meaningful travel” has been incredibly Port Douglas since 1989, meandering through unspoilt mangrove
rewarding. Not only has the Port Douglas hotel incorporated
improved sustainability practices across its operations, it also channels.
offers ‘Good Travel’ with Marriott Bonvoy, which gives its guests “The tour is eco based, environmentally friendly, and we are careful
the opportunity to have a positive impact as they build deeper not to leave even a footprint where we go. Our guests love the
connections with the local community and contribute meaningfully commentary they receive, learning the history of Port Douglas,
across its environmental protection initiatives. seeing local landmarks and enjoying a few funny local stories
“Our property, in partnership with the Tangaroa Blue Foundation, along the way. We are incredibly proud of our history as one of the
first boats to be built in the marina, and today, still an original boat
provides guests with the opportunity to make a direct impact operating.”
on the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef through a hands-
on beach ‘citizen scientist’ program,” Deb McDiarmid, director of
marketing, explains. “We embrace our global responsibility and TACKLING FOOD WASTE
unique opportunity to be a force for good and we are committed One restaurant that is no stranger to innovation is Salsa Bar and
to creating a positive and sustainable impact in every area of the Grill. Nationally revered, this award-winning restaurant is tackling
business.” the issue of waste head on. Working with Green Food Australia, it
Other initiatives include reducing single use plastics. “We were is converting its food and vegetative waste into soil regenerating
using more than 130,000 plastic water bottles each year to keep solutions as a liquid and a solid.
our guests hydrated. We are now leading the way to go plastic free For Green Food Australia visioner Jess Uhlig “tackling food waste
– we ask our guests to support our goal and eliminate this waste and the way people think about their waste is at the very heart”
by purchasing a $5 reusable water bottle. To boost this saving, we of who they are. “Being able to use restaurant waste, otherwise
provide an extensive network of Vestal refill stations, providing an headed for landfill, to regenerate soil and close the loop to grow our
unlimited supply of drinking water during their stay.” next generations food is imperative,” she explains. “Food security is
a global issue now and for us to be able to contribute to our local
ECO AMBASSADORS food security is paramount.”
Known for innovation and excellence in guided nature tours, These examples are just a few of the shining lights in Port Douglas
Sailaway, a nationally awarded sustainability winner, has walked and Daintree’s tourism industry, Tara Bennett adds. “In every corner
the environmental talk for over three decades. Its business ethos of our Shire, you will find inspiring examples of people making a
is to “go lightly to deliver a big message”, helping to protect the positive impact – all of which have had a hand in helping the region
Great Barrier Reef for future generations and encouraging and become one of the world’s most sustainable destinations.
inspiring guests to become environmental ambassadors. In 2009,
Sailaway established Eco Shamba Tree Farm Port Douglas on a 68-
acre former cane paddock. Today, it is a leading example of how
sustainable reforestation and carbon offsetting initiatives can be
incorporated into business.
Quicksilver Cruises is also credited with helping to pave the way
for responsible and sustainable tourism. As one of Australia’s
first ecotourism innovators, Quicksilver’s long-term approach to
conservation and sustainability began in an era before the term For more on Ecotourism Certified Businesses and Climate
“ecotourism” existed and participated in Ecotourism Australia’s Action Leaders in Port Douglas and Daintree, visit
pilot accreditation scheme in 1996 to develop its significant visitportdouglasdaintree.com.au.
environmental program.