Leading The Way With Ecotourism Australia Certification - Sydney By Kayak's Eco-Journey
Created by Sydney By Kayak
Saturday, 26th August 2023
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In the heart of Sydney's iconic harbour lies a kayaking venture that transcends adventure, embracing a profound commitment to sustainability. Sydney By Kayak has undertaken a remarkable journey to weave conservation and environmental stewardship into everything they do. This commitment recently culminated in the prestigious achievement of being certified by Ecotourism Australia – a testament to Sydney By Kayak's relentless dedication to preserving beautiful Sydney Harbour.
Being proudly certified through Ecotourism Australia’s world-leading ecotourism certification program holds a lot of value. This means that when you kayak with Sydney By Kayak, you are supporting a business that is backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high-quality, eco conscious, tourism experiences.
This certification demonstrates Sydney By Kayak’s commitment to:
- Looking after the natural environment.
- Offering quality interpretation and educating paddlers.
- Supporting and engaging the local community.
- Reducing their carbon footprint.
- Protecting unique, local wildlife and endangered species.
- Making real contributions to conservation.
- Helping to preserve Australian Indigenous cultures.
- Providing an unforgettable, high-quality, 5-star experience.
Achieving Ecotourism Australia certification is no small feat. It's a seal of approval that signifies an exceptional level of commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility. To attain this certification, businesses must adhere to stringent criteria that ensure their operations have a minimal impact on the environment while actively contributing to the conservation of local ecosystems.
Sydney By Kayak's certification is a reflection of its unwavering dedication to responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. It's a recognition of the extensive efforts put forth to integrate sustainable practices into every facet of their operations.
Projects That Define a Legacy
Sydney By Kayak's eco-journey is exemplified by a series of initiatives that combine adventure with environmental conservation. At the core of these efforts lies a commitment to preserving Sydney's precious waterways, fostering marine life, and inspiring change.
Mangrove Nurseries: Breeding Life and Resilience
One of Sydney By Kayak's most remarkable projects is its mangrove nurseries, in collaboration with Ecobel. These vital ecosystems play a pivotal role in supporting marine life, mitigating climate change, and providing essential habitat for various species. Sydney By Kayak's commitment extends beyond merely acknowledging the importance of mangroves – it actively nurtures and propagates these critical plants, alongside Ecobel volunteers and local kayaking groups.
Through dedicated nurseries, Sydney By Kayak has successfully planted 173 baby mangroves, with many more in the nursery, ready for planting this year. This initiative is a testament to Sydney By Kayak's vision of enhancing the ecosystem and contributing to a healthier harbour.
Bruce: The Solar-Powered Guardian of Clean Waters
Bruce, another Ecobel collaboration, partly funded by Sydney By Kayak, an innovative solar-powered rubbish collection boat, embodies their commitment to cleaner waters. Bruce skims through the harbour, collecting debris that pose a threat to marine life and ecosystems. A beacon of sustainable innovation, Bruce not only captures rubbish but also raises awareness about the impact of pollution in Sydney Harbour.
Living Seawall Boulders: A Thriving Marine Life Habitat
Sydney By Kayak's Living Seawall Boulders initiative transcends conventional conservation efforts. These boulders serve as a testament to human ingenuity and the potential for nature and infrastructure to coexist. Created in collaboration with esteemed partners like SIMS, Reef Design Lab, and North Sydney Council, these boulders are an incredible addition to Lavender Bay’s shoreline, offering ongoing possibilities for marine research and learning for both researchers and locals alike. Ongoing funding for marine research is supported by Sydney By Kayak and local corporate sponsor, Adobe.
Empowering Change Through Education: Plastic Recycling Workshops
Sydney By Kayak's commitment extends to education, with a series of plastic recycling workshops that inspire change-makers of all ages. By converting collected plastic waste into usable items, such as pens, plant pots, and carabiners, Sydney By Kayak is not only reducing waste but also fostering a deeper understanding of the power of recycling.
Community, Corporates, and Collective Impact
Sydney By Kayak's success is deeply intertwined with the unwavering support of its community and corporate partners. From residents participating in clean-up efforts to corporate groups joining forces for impactful initiatives, Sydney By Kayak's influence extends far beyond its kayak tours.
Ecotourism: A Vision for a Sustainable Future
Sydney By Kayak's Ecotourism Australia Certification embodies a broader vision of responsible tourism. It's a commitment to showcasing the stunning natural beauty of Sydney while leaving a positive footprint. This prestigious award signifies Sydney By Kayak's dedication to operating with the highest standards of environmental care, inspiring guests to cherish and protect Sydney’s beautiful waterways.
Sydney By Kayak's journey to Ecotourism Australia Certification wasn't an easy one, but it reflects their resolute determination to make a meaningful impact. This achievement is a source of pride and a reminder that every step toward sustainability is a stride toward a brighter future.
Celebrating Success, Inspiring Change
Sydney By Kayak's commitment to sustainability isn't just confined to its operations – it's a beacon of inspiration for change. Through engaging social media campaigns, press stories, blogs, and workshops, Sydney By Kayak actively shares its successes and challenges. The Living Seawall Boulder Installation open day, made possible by clean-up efforts, is a shining example of Sydney By Kayak's dedication to showcasing its accomplishments.
A Future That Embraces Sustainability
As Sydney By Kayak continues to navigate the waters of eco-consciousness, it does so with an unwavering commitment to sustainability and conservation. Through their innovative initiatives, partnerships, and certifications, Sydney By Kayak's journey sets a precedent for how tourism and environmental responsibility can coexist together.
The journey from the inception of Sydney By Kayak to achieving Ecotourism Australia Certification is a testament to Laura and Ben's vision, passion, and commitment. It's a story of collaboration, innovation, and the immense impact that a small business can have on preserving our natural environment for generations to come.
The Ecotourism Australia Certification programs are recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).