ECO CERTIFIED
True Blue Sailing has been awarded Ecotourism Accreditation, by Ecotourism Australia.
Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that
fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.
The ECO Certification logo is a globally recognized brand which assists travellers to choose and
experience a genuine and authentic tour, attraction, cruise or accommodation that
is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. The ECO Certification
program assures travellers that certified products are backed by a strong, well
managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high quality nature-based tourism experiences.
TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change overview
Climate change is the result of changes in our weather patterns because of an increase in the Earth’s
average temperature. This is caused by increases in greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere from
human activity such as burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. These gases soak up heat from the
sun but instead of the heat leaving the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is trapped, making the Earth warmer.
Great Barrier Reef and Climate Change Impacts
Climate Change poses one of the greatest threats to coral reefs, through higher water temperatures
and the higher acidity of seawater. Warming seas can trigger coral bleaching, where the corals
become stressed and expel the zooxanthellae algae which produce their main food source. These
algae also provide the coral with colour so when they leave the coral bleaches. If warm conditions
do not persist for too long, the algae return and the coral recover. However in extreme events when
temperatures are high for long periods of time corals will die.
True Blue Sailings’ Actions to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Mitigation Strategies
These are just some of the steps we are taking to tackle climate change by reducing our company’s
carbon emissions:
- We minimise waste and recycle and use recycled materials whenever possible
- We measure and track our emissions footprint annually using the GBRMPA emissions calculator.
- Our vessels are serviced regularly to maintain optimum fuel efficiency and our outboard vessels
utilise 4 stroke.
- A portion of the electricity we purchase comes from Green Power. Green Power is drawn from three
renewable energy sources – Solar Power, Wind, Hydro and Biomass.
- We participate with Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in Ears and Eyes Sightings Network.
- True Blue Sailing’s tours have been an Ecotourism Certified business since 2008.
Encouraging Our Visitors to Tackle Climate Change
At True Blue Sailing we believe each person around the world can reduce their total emissions each
year. There are hundreds of different ways we can do this by introducing environmental practices into
our everyday life such as using energy saving appliances, low energy bulbs, reduction of waste and
litter and the use of environmentally friendly detergents.
When travelling we encourage our guests to ensure these practices are maintained away from home
and use local energy and water efficiently. Check soaps or detergents are biodegradable. Never
litter and recycle where you can. You can choose to measure and offset travel emissions through
organisations such as Climate Friendly who provide emissions calculators for a range of activities and
contribute to the growth of the renewable energy industry.
While travelling we encourage our guests to choose to support tour operators who have achieved the
Ecotourism and Climate Action certification logo. Ecotourism Australia Certification allows travellers to
Australia to identify and support operators who meet the benchmark and so ensure tourism products
have minimal impact to the environment.
Want to Know More? – visit these sites:
GBRMPA
Ecotourism Australia
Ergon Energy Green Power
Climate Action Certification
Carbon offset watch
Climate Friendly |
