Going Green in the Red Centre

Many of the most cherished treasures of the Red Centre are natural ones. From world-famous rock formations and spectacular mountain ranges to picturesque waterholes and pristine desert landscapes, we love the Central Australian environment and all its unique gifts. Unfortunately, climate change will have a devastating effect on the Central Australian environment if decisive action is not taken.

The increase in greenhouse gases due to human activity has led to observable global warming; the World Meteorological Organization recently confirmed that 2016 was the hottest year on record. While the Alice Springs region is known for its warm weather, the Australian Government has predicted that “the number of hot days over 35 degrees Celsius is expected to increase from 90 per year currently experienced to up to 182 by 2070 without global action to reduce emissions” and that “warmer temperatures and increased rainfall variation may also increase the occurrence of food and water-borne diseases.”

Around Australia and the world, rising temperatures, sea levels and an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events will endanger the people, places and wildlife we love. 

Our commitment to environmental sustainability

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We can all make a difference in the fight against climate change. 

Tourism Central Australia acknowledges that humans have directly contributed to global warming and we are committed to the preservation of our world for ourselves and for future generations. 

•  We are a member of the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism, and wholeheartedly endorse the credo of a peaceful traveller

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•  We encourage our visitors to be environmentally friendly travellers and to carbon offset their flights whenever possible. 

•  We have enacted a sustainability plan to mitigate the impact our organisation has on the environment, and encourage other members of the tourism industry to do the same. Our sustainability plan includes being conscious of the way we use and recycle paper, reducing our electricity and water usage, and travelling in an environmentally friendly manner.

•  We are certified as a Climate Action Business with Ecotourism Australia, and as such are also a member of Ecotourism Australia. We encourage businesses to consider participating in similar programs to reduce the impact of tourism on the environment.

For more information on sustainable travel within the #RedCentreNT check out these useful tips.

For more information on developing your sustainable business within the #RedCentreNT check out these useful tips.

Top 100 Sustainable Destinations

We're incredibly proud that the Alice Springs & Uluru region, as well as the Tennant Creek & the Barkly region have both been named in Green Destinations' Top 100 Sustainable Destinations for 2017.  These two Red Centre regions are the only Australian destinations in the 2017 Top 100; they are also the very first Australian destinations ever to be awarded this prestigious honour. The Top 100 initiative aims to recognise tourism destinations that have worked hard to make a difference and take sustainability seriously.

To be awarded this honour, Tourism Central Australia demonstrated the Red Centre's commitment to sustainability in the following areas:

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  • Destination management
  • Protection of natural landscapes, scenery and wildlife
  • Waste management
  • Reducing reliance on fossil fuels
  • Protection of built heritage, culture and tradition
  • Protection of social minorities
  • Support for local artisans and producers
  • Commitment to reducing crime and health risks
  • Providing accessible tourism

Skal International Sustainable Tourism Award

In 2017, Tourism Central Australia was awarded the Skal International Sustainable Tourism Award for Tourism Destinations. To be awarded this honour, Tourism Central Australia demonstrated our commitment to sustainability through nature preservation, carbon offsetting, climate change mitigation, human rights protection and local employment. The Red Centre was up against some impressive competition, including Arona in Spain, Aruba, and the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland. We are elated to have received this recognition for our commitment to sustainability. 

Find out more

To develop a Sustainability Plan for your own organisation, visit  https://sustaintool.org/plan/actionsteps.  

Measure your carbon footprint and learn how you can reduce and offset your environmental impact at http://carbonneutral.com.au/ 

 For more information about Climate Change in the Red Centre and Australia:

https://www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au/en/impacts-and-adaptation/rangelands/

http://www.csiro.au/en/Research/OandA/Areas/Oceans-and-climate/Climate-change-information

 For more information about global warming and sustainability:

http://www.wwf.org.au/what-we-do/climate

https://www.nccarf.edu.au/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo-r5Q-5TWB43oLI8eZ6euA

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