What is our vision?
To ensure that Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa’s natural and cultural
environment is managed and operated according to the highest possible
international standards, practices and guidelines in sustainable tourism,
environmental conservation and biodiversity protection, cultural heritage
preservation and intergenerational equity
What is our role?
To provide a management, administrative & operational arm in support of
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa framework, in order to support, advise, consult & carry out tasks directly relevant to the protection, preservation &
promotion of the natural & cultural environment & the activities carried
out within the environments. |
Ecotourism
Ecotourism is a proactive tool within our sustainable tourism framework
that Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa utilises to protect and preserve the
properties natural (rainforest, river systems, mangroves) environments
biodiversity and ecosystems and the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage,
while at the same time generating sustainable business development in the
tourism and hospitality operations of the Eco Lodge.
We have developed management systems, through policy and protocol
frameworks, to ensure best practice techniques, such as energy
management, waste management, environmental management, to name a few, is
carried out in the day to day business of the lodge.
Of the many strategies we have developed, one, known as the International
Compliance Strategy aims to ensure the lodge complies with sustainable
tourism standards set by the United Nations, the World Tourism
Organisation, World Conservation Union, The International Ecotourism
Association, and the World Trade Organisation.
To further our commitment to best practice sustainable tourism and
ecotourism, strategic alliances have been developed with various
commonwealth and state government departments. One of these departments
is the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO). Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa
formalised a partnership with AGO under the Greenhouse Challenge which
focuses Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa efforts on reducing greenhouse emissions
and most importantly, requires Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa to satisfy
detailed audits and energy management assessments carried out by AGO. |
Aboriginal Cultural Tourism
Aboriginal Cultural Tourism is a major component of Daintree Eco Lodge &
Spa’s tourism operations.
Operating under structured templates to ensure Aboriginal culture is
preserved and not compromised in our tourism operations, our Kuku Yalanji
Aboriginal Cultural Guides will take you on activities that are based on interpretation, education and experiential learning.
A number of activities are available for guests to enjoy and immerse
themselves in this ancient and complex culture, which survives on the
foundations of harmony and peace between people and the land, as one.
Activities include Indigenous Guided Rainforest Walks, and Bushtucker as well as
relaxing, but inspirational Aboriginal Cultural Arts and Craft Workshops.
All facets of our Aboriginal cultural tourism operations are conducted in
a manner in which the Traditional Owners of the Daintree area have
endorsed and supported us by providing genuine, accurate and educational
information as well as participating the management of these activities.
Strategic Partnerships
The management of our natural and cultural resources are taken
very seriously. Given the fact that within the 30 acre property,
neighboring World Heritage listed National Parks, we have
some of the worlds only remaining low-land rainforest, one
of the most complex moss systems know in the scientific
community and one of the most pristine environments that
are home to a wide range rainforest flora and fauna,
which includes the threatened Cassowary.
To further our commitment in preserving this environment
we are working closely with the Wet Tropics Management
Authority (World Heritage Managers) and various universities
around the country to ensure that our industry operations at the
Eco Lodge minimise impact and our management plans maximise
the preservation and protection of the biodiversity and the
complex eco-systems found on the property.
We have formed official partnerships with the Natural Heritage Trust
under the Land for Wildlife program and encourage and develop projects
for the Conservation Volunteers and Green Corp to
encourage Australian youth to participate and join us in our efforts. Currently we are in the process of forming a working relationship
and partnership with UNESCO and UNEP to help us preserve and
protect the environment, maintain sustainable tourism efforts and invest
in the future for future generations- not just for us, but for
the world
our pristine waterfall
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The Ecotourism Management Unit
The Ecotourism Management Unit provides Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa with a
dedicated, professional & specialised management body which has its focus
primarily on management issues affecting the natural and cultural
environment, tourism based activities and sustainable tourism practices.
Operating by set and detailed roles and tasks, the unit operates under
established national and international principles and guidelines based on
environmental conservation and biodiversity protection, cultural heritage
protection and preservation, Indigenous affairs and relationship
development, local community &government co-operation and networking,
industry efficiency & enhancement, scientific research and the commitment
to education, interpretation and improving knowledge of our natural and
cultural environment
The Ecotourism Management Unit, along with the ongoing support and
co-operation of the local
Traditional Owners of the Daintree area, provide immediate and long term
social, economic and cultural benefits to the local traditional people of
the area.
This is not only important to the future of Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa and
the natural and cultural environment of the area, but is also of
paramount importance to the continuous and future development and
involvement of the local Aboriginal people in an growing local and
regional tourism based industry,
but most importantly, working together in protecting and preserving our
natural and cultural environment. |
Aboriginal Affairs
Aboriginal Affairs at Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa is approached with a high
level of importance. We are very conscious about preserving Aboriginal
culture in our cultural tourism activities and follow strict guidelines,
protocols and ethics in all facets relating to Aboriginal affairs at the
Eco Lodge.
We maintain a proactive approach when tackling issues such as
intellectual property rights, cultural heritage preservation, cultural
understanding (customs, traditions), racial sensitivities, guest and
staff education and most importantly maintaining a working relationship
with the Traditional Owners of the Daintree area (Julaymba Bama).
We work closely with the Cape York Land Council, various commonwealth and
state government agencies and international organisations such as the
United Nations which are responsible for Aboriginal and/or cultural
affairs, to ensure our operating standards and protocols are compliant
with national and international standards. |
