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Australia
Environment: The three week Carbon Conscious Australia trip is an itinerary that features progressive, environmentally sustainable accommodation, excursions and transportation in three diverse states. The touring throughout the fabulous Kakdau National Park is led by a supremely experienced and passionate guide. The focus is on providing personalised interpretative experiences highlighting in particular, aboriginal culture and the environment.
The accommodation has been selected for the eco-friendliness. Underpinning the natural experience is the camp, remote and solar powered and yet providing a supremely comfortable stay. Activities from the camp focus on exploring the surrounding country, with airboat trips on the wetlands, river cruises and guided walks with an emphasis on environmental awareness and wildlife protection. A strong ecological concept, reconnecting people with nature.
Kangaroo Island, a short ferry ride from the mainland, has been included in the itinerary for the opportunity to see wildlife in a natural environment. Progressive conservation projects and eco-sensitive management on the island has sustained a remarkable array of wildlife.
A number of Australias wineries are now implementing conservation practices to protect the local environment and maintain of course, a production of good quality wines. Banrock Station, approximately 2 hours from Adelaide, have for more than a decade been restoring their surrounding landscape so that a once dry and dusty cattle station has been transformed into wetlands and woodland and a flourishing wildlife community.
The final state included in our itinerary is New South Wales. We have selected a number of very special accommodation options that subscribe to the principles of responsible travel. To the south of Sydney is the stunning Jervis Bay National Park that encapsulates it all. Close to the town of Huskisson and within a short bike ride of the many natural attractions of the area is Paperbark Camp, a safari styled eco accredited property. Set within a paperbark forest the camp employs solar powered energy and a strict water conservation policy and is another example of how eco principles do not have to compromise comfort.
Fiji
Environment: Much of the environment in Fiji is fragile, and it is imperative that both the local population and visitors to the islands are aware of the irreparable damage which can be caused to eco-systems such as the reefs. We try wherever possible to recommend guides, activities and accommodation which demonstrate a clear commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism principles.
On the main island of Viti Levu we have suggested Sonaisali Island Resort. This was the first resort in Fiji to become Green Globe Certified, and the management are passionate about minimising the impact of the resort on the island. An example of their efforts is their hydroponic farm which supplies fresh, organic food daily for both guests and staff.
In the Mamanuca Islands we recommend Tokoriki Island Resort, a founding member of the Mamanuca Environment Society, who strive to improve and protect the local environment through awareness and education. MES contributes to the community in a number of different ways, from education programmes in schools to clean-up campaigns in surrounding villages. Tokoriki has also initiated the 'giant clam regeneration project', reintroducing three different species of giant clams which had previously disappeared to the waters around the island.
Community: The management of Sonaisali Island Resort are committed to employing local Fijians throughout the company. On the ground in Fiji we use an excellent, local, family-owned agent who demonstrate care for the environment, preservation of their culture and commitment to the community. As part of an ongoing project they have helped create townships which provide new, cyclone resistant housing with running water where previously there had been inadequate housing. Every visitor is greeted on arrival with a true Fijian welcome, and looked after throughout the duration of their stay in Fiji.
The directors of this company went to university together and met up again when they were travelling. They started doing tours to Vietnam in 1996 and were so successful that they expanded to many other destinations. Their company now employs 170 well-travelled staff who can advise customers on how to put together the perfect itinerary. They share the same no-nonsense, honest approach and ensure anyone who travels makes the best use of their time and budget. The amount of research that goes into these trips means you get to see the slightly quirkier places and can travel at your own pace.
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