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We aim to provide a sustainable tourism product with a focus on experiencing natural areas that foster environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation. We understand the importance of our Advanced Ecotourism accreditation as a benchmark to uphold sustainable practices and where possible aim towards higher recognition through future accreditation programs.
Through a number of interpretative activities we endeavour to educate our guests on how rare, unique and sacred the environment they are being exposed to, emphasising the importance of keeping it intact for generations to come.
Interpretative activities extend to:
- Informative hand-outs on Kimberley flora, fauna, history, birdlife, whales and indigenous culture.
- Guided excursions with informative commentary.
- Qualified naturalist with extensive knowledge of the region.
- Comprehensive Kimberley reference library.
Promoting the adoption of our principles to our guests where appropriate we have the goal of raising guests’ awareness and appreciation for the natural environment which extends beyond their cruise experience.
We are committed to reducing energy & water consumption onboard all vessels where applicable and within the office system. I have detailed information about this below as well as attached our sustainable tourism information for you.
Ways to save energy at work include:
- Turn off light switches when not required.
- Turning off computers at the end of the day.
- Using energy saving features on equipment (photocopiers and air-conditioners).
- Considering energy efficiency when purchasing new equipment.
Energy saving devices and/or practices currently being utilised onboard company vessels:
- Front loading washing machines are used for their energy efficiency and water conservation.
- Air conditioners are fitted individually in cabins to allow for each unit to be switched on or off accordingly.
- Waste heat from vessel generators are used to heat hot water.
- Vessel lighting kept to a minimum in accordance with vessel operating procedures.
- All sewage, grey water and other biodegradable garbage shall be stored on the vessel until such time it can be decomposed of in arrcodance with MARPOL regulations and/or Marine/Nature Reserve license conditions.
Transport
- All our expeditions and support vehicles are planned to minimize distances travelled.
- All our guests are provided with a courtesy transfer service, using buses and minibuses.
- Staff are encouraged to walk, ride a bicycle to work or car pool where practicable.
- Relevant staff have undertaken training in fuel efficient driving (e.g. vessels operate at certain revolutions to reduce fuel.
consumption, moderate speed limits are maintained when operating dinghies , speed limits are adhered to in company vehicles. - Daily vehicle selection is considered for the selected task (passenger transfer, general shopping, loading store vessels etc). - We consider fuel efficient options when purchasing vehicles. Generally diesel vehicles are purchased for their fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
- All company vehicles and vessel engines are serviced and maintained according to manufacturers specifications.
Conservation
Tourism in the Kimberley region of north Western Australia has made more tourists and the local community to the area more aware and knowledgeable on the landscape & cultural values, native vegetation, marine and terrestrial fauna as well as the offshore islands and reefs and the protection they require. This has benefited the Kimberley and surrounding areas as more visitors are acknowledgeable of how important conservation is.
Our management procedures incorporate the goal of protecting and improving our conservation efforts within the Kimberley for endangered species and the biodiversity values of the Kimberley coastline. We maintain and are consistently trying to improve our knowledge of their presence, particular needs and management practices in particular by;
- Avoid disruption of wildlife movement (e.g. humpback whales).
- Communication to guests key information to encourage their understanding and appropriate behavior in respect to significant species.
- ‘Leave no trace’ behind – on all excursions we participate in.
- Minimal disruption strategies to observe seabird and turtle breeding on specialising nature cruises.
We also are proud to support Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), where we have chosen to support the preservation of the threatened Gouldian finch and Purple crowned fairy wren as species at Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary in the Kimberley. Supporting AWC contributes to the National Reserve System, Australia’s network of protected areas, conserving examples of our natural landscapes and native plants and animals for future generations.
We are also a proud supporter of local Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release organisation Chelonia, specialising in sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. We are the sponsor to a green turtle, ‘Princess’ contributing to the survival of the species.
Accommodation
We are an environmentally responsible operator. It is our policy to maintain a healthy and ecologically sustainable environment. Our Kimberley expeditions have been eco accredited (*bushwalking, fishing, flora & fauna viewing & history & culture). We are committed to the prevention of pollution, reduction of waste and improvement of re-cycling both onboard company vessels and within administration. We are committed to continuous improvement and is working towards the guiding principles of ISO 14001 Environmental Management System standards.
Our policy will apply the following guiding principles:
- Recognise environmental management as being a high priority, establishing practices to ensure that all our activities are conducted in an environmentally sound manner and together with safety, combining these practices as an essential element of management in all our business.
- Educate, train and encourage all staff to conduct their activities in an environmentally responsible manner and minimise the use of raw materials, toxic substances, energy, water and other resources.
- Continue to improve our environmental practices, taking into account current legislation, governmental policy, and industry codes of practice, technical developments & expectations of the community.
- Assess environmental impacts and develop and implement appropriate strategies prior excursions, before starting a new activity or project and before leaving a site.
- Review our purchasing practices and adopt environmentally friendly purchasing practices where practicable.
- Promote the adoption of our principles to our passengers/guests where appropriate.
- Promote good public relations by participating with other stake holders, anticipating and responding to their concerns about potential environmental impacts arising from our activities.
Local community
Our commitment to the local community can be seen through the many charities and causes we support. We are proud supporters of the Royal Flying Doctor Service since 2003, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Diabetes Australia, Kyle Andrews Foundation in Broome among many others.
- We strive to employ local residents whom contribute to the local economy and community.
- We purchase local where possible, thereby supporting local businesses. The vessel is also serviced locally for general repairs and maintenance.
- Overall our guests bring economic benefits to the Broome community, booking pre and post accommodation and tours.
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!
