We are proud to announce that in 2024, the National Arboretum Canberra has been recognised for multiple notable achievements in the realm of EcoTourism and Sustainability.
In 2024, the Arboretum has become an EcoStar Accredited business with Quality Tourism Australia, as well as receiving a score of 99% on the Ecotourism Australia Strive 4 Sustainability scorecard.
EcoStar Accredited Business
The EcoStar Accreditation program run by the Australian Tourism Industry Council recognises businesses who have demonstrated environmental management in the highest level, incorporating sustainable practices while still maintaining the high quality and memorable experiences expected of a world class Eco Tourism destination.
The EcoStar Accreditation marked us against the following standards:
- Managing impact and disturbance on the environment,
- Contributing to conservation and sustainability,
- Effective interpretation through the promotion, communication and delivery of product,
- Establishing an environmental risk management strategy,
- Supporting and benefiting the local community, and
- Recognition of the cultural and heritage issues of the area.
As a now EcoStar Accredited business, we are committed to maintaining a high standard of environmental sustainability to compliment the beautiful and iconic site and programs we offer.
Ecotourism Australia 'Strive 4 Sustainability' scorecard
Ecotourism Australia has set out globally recognised criteria for sustainable tourism under the 'Strive 4 Sustainability' scorecard. The program measures where we place on our sustainability journey, marking our performance in a snapshot in time.
We were scored against 50 criteria across the following four pillars of sustainability:
- Sustainable management
- Environmental impacts
- Socio-economic impacts
- Cultural impacts
We are thrilled to have received a score of 99% on our 'Strive 4 Sustainability' scorecard! Through this process, insights have been provided into our strengths, areas where improvement can be made, offering transparency and guidance to enhance our sustainable practices.
At the Arboretum, we are committed to always seeking improvement, and continuing to practice sustainable and responsible tourism, striving for sustainability in all facets of our offerings and daily operations.
Through both of these programs, our current efforts as well as the work of all those who have been involved made an impact throughout the Arboretum's history have been officially recognised, providing motivation to continue to strive for sustainability in all we do, and inspire other businesses in Canberra, Australia, and around the world to do the same.
To keep up to date with our commitments to Eco Sustainability, head to the Eco Responsibility - National Arboretum tab on our website.