Page 16 - Tropic Magazine Issue 37

TROPIC • TOURISM

Behind the

scenery

CITIZEN SCIENCE
A new wave of visitors is
contributing to conservation
efforts in Far North
Queensland.

Words: Renee Cluff 1

A small group of tourists is deep in knowledge of the researchers is environmental programs such as the
the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, the highlight. “It’s a unique opportunity Great Reef Census, which relies on
accompanying scientific researchers at a to enter research locations not accessible citizen scientists to help survey the length
confidential location. They’re observing to the public,” he said. “One of our and breadth of the reef. “The tourists
the endangered northern sub-species of main aims is to bridge the gap between outnumber the researchers four to one in
the spotted-tail quoll as well as checking tourism and science, which allows for a getting out and keeping an eye on those
camera traps and documenting deeper educational journey into the Wet environments,” he said.
food sources. Tropics Rainforest.” “Potential travellers are now asking why
It’s an experience run by FNQ Nature they are going, what’s the story of the
Tours in conjunction with the Australian place and what does their travel mean to
Quoll Conservancy, with all proceeds that place.”
going directly to the latter to help protect Tourism is actually the The Master Reef Guide program,
the carnivorous marsupials. frontline of conservation endorsed by the Great Barrier Reef
FNQ Nature Tours Managing Director Marine Authority, is among those
James Boettcher told Tropic guests see a for some of our most supporting the next generation of
range of iconic wildlife, but the expert environmental ambassadors.
important assets It recognises the best of the best
Mark Olsen marine guides who earn their status
CEO Tourism Tropical through formal training as well as being
North Queensland
considered great storytellers. The guides
work within the Marine Park tourism
Tours like these are increasing in sector to support reef stewardship.
popularity. CEO of Tourism Tropical Passions of Paradise Environmental
North Queensland, Mark Olsen, said a Manager and Master Reef Guide Russell
growing number of visitors are no longer Hosp said its citizen science tours
satisfied with just minimising their are open to both certified divers and
environmental footprint – they want to confident snorkellers, who take part in
actually help create positive change. the Eye on the Reef and Coral Nurture
Mr Olsen said for a region with a land programs. “Passions of Paradise is one
mass bigger than Victoria and sea of five operators in Cairns and Port
Country larger than Italy, the help of Douglas participating in the Coral
tourists is certainly welcomed through Nurture Program with our staff working

16 • Tropic • Issue 37