Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
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Community
There is now abundant evidence that green places improve health well being, self-esteem, self-respect and our sense of connection to nature and to other people. This non-profit conservation organisation employs local community members and engages the wider community through education and conservation monitoring participation programs, open days and workshops. They are also are building capacity for conservation and research through sponsorship of the Cape Otway Centre’s annual Conservation Ecology Fellowship program, and by securing increased resources for conservation efforts undertaken with numerous program partners. As part of these conservation programs the conservation centre creates volunteer opportunities and build capacity for conservation in the local community by fostering future conservationists.
The founders, honourary board and management of The Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology live and work on the Great Ocean road and are a part of the local community. They work closely with the community to encourage sustainable land use and to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help the local economy while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts. The Centre works to raise levels of environmental awareness and appreciation of the Otways region, and to promote the values of ecological research and conservation. The Great Ocean Road and Otways community includes many non-human members including abundant and diverse wildlife, some species of which are found nowhere else in the world. This organisation is dedicated to their conservation.
The koala conservation experience is all about supporting local wildlife and habitat conservation through learning about koala ecology, assisting with rehabilitation of injured and orphaned animals and working alongside researchers to uncover the secrets which will help to keep these very special animals safe and ensure their future survival. All proceeds from this experience are reinvested directly into in-situ koala conservation which means visitors not only contribute while they are here through hands-on involvement but leave a lasting legacy to the conservation of habitat, koalas, ecology and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned koalas.
Environment
This luxury ecolodge has been established and is operated by The Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology as a charitable business enterprise. All profits from the ecolodge are reinvested into wildlife conservation and the ecolodge itself is entirely solar powered and ecologically responsible, resting gently in the landscape. Through the ecolodge The Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology can provide opportunities for guests to become involved in conservation reseaerch and other conservation activities so you really have a chance to get involved and help the world as you have a holiday.
The Ecolodge is a place where you can be a part of the natural world, observe it, enjoy it, share it and work alongside us to conserve it. Because the Ecolodge is designed and operated sustainably, with solar power, solar hot water, pure rainwater and organic dining you will not be impacting upon the natural world during your stay. Only through recognising our connection and interdependence with nature can we truly understand the value of our natural environment, and so seek conserve and protect it - this is a place where connection with the natural world is a way of life.
The group size is a maximum of ten. This means participants’ experiences are personalized and opportunities for wildlife observation are outstanding. All aspects of our operation are sustainable – the office is powered by solar electricity, collects rainwater and heats it using a solar heat transfer system. As much marketing and administration as possible is electronic to avoid unnecessary paper use.
The organisation is a showcase of environmental responsibility. From the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife to cutting edge conservation research, habitat restoration and the operation of a world-class, sustainable, solar powered and luxurious ecolodge. They have been awarded the 2005 Prime Minister’s Award for Environmentalist of the Year, the 2007 Australian Geographic Conservation Award and are accredited at the highest level by Ecotourism Australia.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
