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What
is NNETA?
NNETA is the regional ecotourism body of
the Northern New South Wales region.
NNETA Mission Statement
NNETA encourages tourism operators to be committed to best
practice ecological sustainability and set an example as quality
ecotourism operators. Through NNETA tourism operators, visitors
and the local community are also encouraged to be sensitive
catalysts to monitor and improve natural bio-diversity and
“sense of place” whilst involved in sustainable
nature based tourism.
Through education, NNETA will provide its members and other
stakeholders with support and guidance to ensure the environment
of the Northern New South Wales region is protected for future
generations.
NNETA’s accepted definition of the term “Ecotourism”
Ecotourism is sustainable nature-based tourism that involves
education and interpretation of the natural environment and
its cultural components.
Ecotourism Framework:
*
The eco-product's operations do not negatively impact on the
indigenous community or culturally sensitive areas
* Eco-product buildings are compatible with the natural setting
it occupies
* Natural light is utilised during daylight hours
* Eco-product practices water conservation techniques
* Local products and services are utilised and favoured to
ensure local economic benefit
* Marketing undertaken by eco-product is responsible and reflects
the eco-product and its natural environment and does not lead
to misrepresentation
* Waste Minimisation techniques are incorporated as part of
staff training including reduced paper usage and utilising
e-mail for communication
* No domestic animals are allowed at the eco-product except
hearing/ seeing eye dogs
* Native wildlife feeding or harassment by guests is discouraged
by eco-product
* All plant, equipment and vehicles are serviced and maintained
on a regular basis
* All promotional material given to guests is collected for
reuse
* All rubbish and litter encountered is removed from the eco-product
as per council requirements and recycling is practiced by
eco-product
* Staff are encouraged to purchase supplies with minimal packaging
* External lighting is kept to that necessary for safety,
security and orientation
* Energy use is kept to a minimum and a renewable energy supplier
is considered
* Usual noise levels from all eco-product activities are not
significantly more than background noise and guests are encouraged
to be considerate to other guests by keeping noise levels
to a minimum
* Eco-product operations are done with minimal air pollution
eg no chlorofluorocarbons, solvents, and hydrocarbon emissions.
* Vegetation is used to screen accommodation and facilities
to reduce any negative visual impact
* Boats utilising water areas are educated on minimising damage
to vegetation, banks and other sensitive environments
* A native wildlife log book is used to monitor wildlife’s’
movement at eco-product site
* Guest surveys are encouraged to ensure authenticity of eco-product
and ideas are considered to improve quality of activities
offered
* The eco-product has the correct environmental emergency
response equipment procured
* Scuba diving and snorkelling activities are done with secured
equipment and items are not removed from the water
* Local residents are employed in the operations of the eco-product
* Inspections of the eco-product by local residents are encouraged
to give feedback and encourage community involvement
* Indigenous products sold are authentic
* Safe spotlighting techniques are practiced to ensure minimal
disturbance to wildlife
* Walking Tours are taken on existing walking tracks with
minimal guests and tracks maintenance is carried out on a
regular basis
* Camping at natural areas ensures minimal impact and infrastructure
provided (ie campfires, public toilets) is utilised by guests
* Monitoring of natural areas used by 4WD or other vehicles
and correct signage in place to ensure there are no negative
impacts
* Vehicles are washed in wash bays or grassed areas located
within the eco-product grounds
* Water restrictions are enforced as per Water Company requests
* Staff are trained to identify environmental risks and are
able to respond to emergencies and call relevant authorities
* Eco-product allows guests to spend time in natural surroundings
* Correct information is provided to guests to learn about
the natural and cultural significance at the eco-product
* Appropriate fencing, shrubs or barriers are used to restrict
pedestrian and vehicular traffic to defined and stabilised
areas
* The eco-product has no declared weeds on site, if there
are weeds on site initiatives are under way to eradicate them
* Liaison with Land for Wildlife to have order in place for
the protection of native fauna on eco-product site
* Engage in volunteer work, inkind support or sponsorship
for local conservation/ environmental initiatives
* Landscaping areas of eco-product is done with native plants
(preferably indigenous plants)
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