ECOTOURISM – WHAT IS THIS?
Timandra by the Sea is now an Ecotourism certified tourism destination as a Nature Based product; as a natural, sustainable garden, Timandra fully qualifies for the Ecotourism mantle.
Ecotourism is now defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education” (TIES, 2015). Education is meant to be inclusive of both staff and guests.
The purpose of Ecotourism is that the tourism is directed towards natural environments that are intended to support conservation efforts while being able to observe wildlife. Timandra has wildlife in abundance.
Ecotourism also addresses issues associated with climate change. We have wildlife now but with the increasing worsening of climate change, what will happen to this wildlife if CC continues to cause such extremes of climate. These extremes include the see-sawing from El Nino to La Nina and cause havoc to vegetation which then affects local wildlife populations.
Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. It includes the recognition of the rights and spiritual beliefs of Australia’s Indigenous People within our community so that we can work in partnership with them to create empowerment.
In Timandra we have solar panels on our roof and numerous rain water tanks with catchments from both our home and a large shed.
Eco Travel Tip
Start your green holiday at home! Before you leave make sure all electrical equipment is turned off at its source and that there are no leaking/dripping taps. If you have a gas hot water system you can even set this to the lowest setting or turned completely off.
Eco Garden Tip
When considering the layout of your garden, always work with the site as it is presented – and not make big changes to the levels. If you have a big slope to contend with, sustainable practice means that you retain this slope and work paths through the slope with planting to bind the bank. If you need a level area for children’s play, consider only levelling a portion of the slope and not the entire site. But once you level areas on a slope you then have significant issues with retaining walls and drainage problems. If you need a play area for children, it is really better to find an alternative spot other than this slope as a play area. Retaining walls and drainage are costly considerations and are not worth the money spent on them as they often break down after a few years. Sustainable practice ensures that your garden will last. It is manufacturing of sites that often cause break-down.