Prolific Territory ecosystem in the tourism spotlight

A PROMINENT Darwin environmentalist said the NT needs to think of mangrove tourism. “Tourism in the north is not about getting people here,” he said, “It’s about making sure everyone that leaves here is absolutely in love with the place.”

Professor Grahame Webb believes Territory mangroves should be exploited for tourism. Picture: News Corp Australia

ONE of the Darwin’s leading environmentalists has called for more consideration into mangrove eco-tourism, as a way to boost travel to the Territory.

Professor Grahame Webb said the Territory could benefit from investing in mangrove tourism due to the quality and quantity of the ecosystem in the NT.

“We’ve got a real advantage in the Northern Territory because across our coastline a very high percentage of the mangroves are still intact and that’s not the case in many other countries,” he said.

“I don’t think we’re seeing it as something that would really educate and interest tourists.”

Professor Graham Webb said mangrove tourism was worth more than US$100 million in Vietnam. Picture: Keri Megelus

Prof Webb said the lack of public awareness on mangroves, including their cultural and environmental significance, should be reason enough invest in the eco-tourism.

“The Aboriginal uses of the mangroves is unbelievable,” he said.

“A huge number of people are interested and they sure don’t get the right introduction now.”

Prof Webb referenced a recent mangrove study, which found the tourism value of Can Gio mangroves in Vietnam at $104,400,000 USD per year.

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Mangrove tours commonly include canoeing, fishing, boating and boardwalk expeditions.

“Tourism in the north is not about getting people here,” he said.

“It’s about making sure everyone that leaves here is absolutely in love with the place.

“In remote areas its pretty hard to get people to make the effort to go and when they do, you’ve got to make sure each one goes back as a real ambassador and that I think is something we’ve missed for a long time.

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“We give people a nice time, enjoy it, but we don’t do it strategically,” he said.

Tourism NT deputy chief executive Andrew Hopper said there was potential for mangrove tourism.

“The Territory has an impressive range of incredible landscapes, with our mangroves up there as one of the most fascinating,” he said.

“Eco-tourism is growing in popularity and eco tours that take in our mangroves could be an additional attraction for potential visitors to the NT.

“Tourism NT works closely with operators to develop new products and we are always keen to hear about new ideas.”