THE Coffs Coast has been certified as NSW’s first and only ECO Destination after an announcement on Tuesday by Coffs Harbour City Council and Ecotourism Australia.

The ECO Destination Certification means the Coffs Coast region is not only recognised for preserving its natural beauty, but is also sustainable in terms of giving back to the community and being culturally authentic.

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A minimum of 90 criteria points must be met to become an ECO Certified Destination, based on the internationally accredited and recognised Green Destinations Standard.

This has seven main themes of destination management, nature and scenery, environment and climate, culture and tradition, social wellbeing, business and hospitality and ecotourism-focused elements.

Rod Hillman, CEO at Ecotourism Australia (EA) said, “Ecotourism Australia is very proud to have Coffs Coast join our family of certified ECO Destinations and be the first destination to achieve this status in NSW.

“This internationally recognised and independently audited certification means the region is demonstrating sustainability principles in how they manage their natural and cultural assets, but it is also about how they support the tourism industry to be sustainable.”

Google also supports this ECO Certification, showcasing the badge on its accommodation listings to help support first-class, nature-based tourism.

The certification is the culmination of a fourteen-month journey during which Coffs Harbour City Council has been supported by a partnership between Ecotourism Australia and World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) Australia.

The Mayor of Coffs Harbour, Denise Knight, told News Of The Area, “We’ve always known that we are eco-friendly and it’s wonderful to be recognised formally for our outstanding Coffs Coast businesses and the Council teams that worked tirelessly to bring this together. “

The Coffs Coast is geographically unique as it is the only place in NSW where the Great Dividing Range meets the Pacific Ocean.

The region has thirteen national parks and many more state forests and reserves that extend from mountainous hinterland through to unspoiled coastline bordering the Solitary Islands Marine Park, the oldest marine park in
NSW.

Three local businesses have previously been certified by Ecotourism Australia: Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours (stand up paddle board tours led by Gumbaynggirr guides or Aboriginal guides), Treetops Adventure (a tree ropes and ziplining experience) and Bruxner Park Flora Reserve (with stunning vistas over the Coffs region towards the coast, including Sealy Lookout and the Forest Sky Pier).

They are now joined by the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, with its natural bushland and rainforest, Coffs Coast Mountain Retreat, an adult-only, pet-friendly retreat and Jetty Dive which offers swimming with whales, diving with sharks and tours of the South Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Clark Webb, who operates Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours said, “It is really important for the region that we implement eco sustainable practices.

“Being mindful of things like cleaning products, plastics use, sunscreen and water use is essential.”

Dan Heather, group leader of Council’s City Prosperity group, the impetus behind the certification said, “There are a lot of businesses that recognise the value in being eco-friendly and many say they are but Ecotourism Australia provides the only stamp of validity for a destination to truly claim it is eco-friendly and sustainable.

“Eco tourism is becoming a growing trend and consumers are more aware.

“As a region and a destination we have a responsibility to ensure sustainability and protect our natural environment not just for our generation but for the future.”

By Andrew VIVIAN