Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge and Ecotourism

Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge is eco certified under the Eco Certification Program which is administered by Ecotourism Australia.

What is Eco Tourism?

Ecotourism is defined under the Eco Certification Program as:

Ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.

What is involved to become Eco Tourism Accredited?

To gain Eco Certification a rigorous process of self assessment is required to ensure we have met specific criteria which address the principles of Ecotourism; this is then verified by an independent assessor from Ecotourism Australia before an independent on-site audit of our operations is undertaken within the 3 year life of the program. This involved satisfying the criteria for:-

Economic sustainability

1. Business management and operational planning
2. Business ethics
3. Responsible marketing
4. Customer satisfaction

Environmental sustainability

5. Natural area focus
6. Environmental management
7. Interpretation and education

Social sustainability

8. Contribution to conservation
9. Working with local communities; and
10. Cultural respect and sensitivity

The accreditation program is designed to identify genuine Ecotourism operators within Australia and give guests an assurance that the operators have a commitment to ecological sustainability and provide a quality Ecotourism experience.

Business Management and Operational Planning

We have sound management and operational planning, which includes documented Business, Marketing, Financial, Advertising, Maintenance and Risk Management plans as well as fulfilling the criteria for legal compliance.

Business Ethics

Our ethical business practices include commitments to natural area management, best practice environmental sustainability and the provision of environmentally sound experiences.

Responsible Marketing

All our marketing is accurate and presents realistic expectations through our brochures, web site and blog site.

Customer Satisfaction

Guests are encouraged to make comments in our guest book and a customer satisfaction form is available to make further comments. This feedback is acted upon where practical.

Natural Area Focus

Presenting the attributes of the region which includes protected areas within the World Heritage listed rainforest such as Mt. Lewis. Part of the Mt. Lewis area is within Brooklyn Station which is owned and managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy a not for profit conservation organisation.
The 5 ha of Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge grounds has Land for Wildlife status.

Environmental Management

The property has remnant rainforest and we are committed to retain the remaining trees and improve the structure of the forest by removing weed species and replanting with local native species.

Water and energy use is minimised with water saving devices in showers and taps, dual flush toilets are fitted, and all lights are either fluorescence tubes or compact fluorescence.

Undertake recycling of glass, aluminum cans and suitable plastics (bottles and containers that have the recycling logo). We have to deliver them to the local waste transfer station as as our local council do not have curb side recycling.

Compost fruit and vegetable matter.

We try and use biodegradable, low nutrient detergents and cleaning products where available.

Purchase local produce whenever possible to reduce "Food Kilometer's" and give preference to local products.

Employ people living in our local area.

We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and will continue to implement measures to reduce the use of energy, water and fuel.

Interpretation and Education.

All our guests receive a detailed bird list of the area showing likely locations, habitat, status and a short comment. In addition the list also shows birds that have been recorded at the lodge and the 12 "Wet Tropics" endemic species. Our guests also receive more detailed maps of the birding hotspots in the area upon arrival.

There is a comprehensive room folder in the units with extra information about the history of the Lodge and surrounding areas.

This web site has information about the area with species lists for a variety of animals recorded at the lodge. Weekly updates are available through our blog site.

To ensure a greater understanding and appreciation of the diverse wildlife in the area morning birdwatching and evening spotlighting walks are conducted for guests.

Our comprehensive natural history library also has DVD's which present both the local and Australia wide flora and fauna.

Local wildlife DVD's and books are for sale in our shop.

We interact with local birding groups and hold a 3 day weekend in January for these groups, which includes guided visits to local birdwatching areas and presentations by local naturalists.

Contribution to Conservation

We support and donate to local and national environmental groups and organisations.

Contribute weekly bird atlas records for the Lodge and other local sites to the Birds Australia Atlas of Australian Birds, Birds Australia nest record scheme and Eremaea online atlas.

Monitor Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher nesting activities within the grounds. We have had 6 nests each year for the past 3 years.

Working with local communities

Where possible we try to support local businesses by purchase local produce and products. Our shop stocks books, pottery and cards by local artists and authors. We donate to the local tree planting group and have given illustrated talks to the local community.

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