ALCA annual conference discusses how conservation and tourism can coexist

Bold plan to combine tourism and conservation by 2032

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive has shared his bold vision for how conservation and tourism should coexist. Picture: Brendan Radke

Every tourist coming to Cairns should be actively participating in conservation by 2032, the region's tourism chief says.

Hundreds of business people, landholders and industry experts gathered for the second day of the Australian Land Conservation Alliance annual conference to discuss how tourism and environmental markets could be used to propel habitat restoration.

In a panel discussion about how tourism and the environment can coexist, Tourism Tropical North Queensland Mark Olsen said his plan was to see conservation drastically increase.

“Our seven-year vision is that out to 2032 every visitor to our region will be actively participating in conservation,” he said.

“That seems impossible … we get about three million visitors a year and about half of them do now.

“The first step is working with traditional owners … we know that that's a conversation with people about and why country is important then what they should contribute.”

Mr Olsen envisioned a reality where one per cent of all tourism expenditure would go into conservation in the region, bringing in $47 million each year.

Western Yalanji and Takalaka man Johnny Murison, who runs Jarramali Rock Art Tours near Cape York, said involving first nations people was essential in protecting land.

“Without country we would be a broken and empty people,” he said.
“The reviews we are getting is that for many people these tours are life changing.

“They come and then they want to come back and bring they family.”

The Far North tourism industry currently employs about nine per cent of first nations people with aspirations to reach 16 per cent in the coming years.

Mr Murison said for those trying to tap into and incorporate indigenous experiences people should remember the three T’s.

“I learnt this off a mate of mine … and that's building trust, spending time with them and having copious amounts of tea.”

“Your listening, your hearing their voices … your asking for help.”

Originally published as ALCA annual conference discusses how conservation and tourism can coexist