As travellers increasingly seek meaningful connections with nature that minimise their environmental impact, Australia by Nature actively supports sustainable tourism practices designed to leave the environment better off.
Australia by Nature creates experiences that deepen travellers’ connection to the natural world. The company prioritises environmental preservation and supports local communities, reflecting its commitment to sustainability in every aspect of its operations.
By completing the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard pre-certification program with Ecotourism Australia, Australia by Nature is setting the benchmark for sustainable tourism.
Caroline Rutherford, founder of Australia by Nature, shares her journey through the program, “We have been following Ecotourism Australia for some time now, with the plan to undergo ECO Certification. When Destination NSW announced their partnership with Ecotourism Australia on the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, we jumped at the chance to take part and learn more about the process.”
The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard pre-certification program offers businesses a better understanding of their sustainability practices while laying a strong foundation for achieving global standard Certification.
Caroline adds, “We operate all our immersive tours in nature. This comes with the responsibility of ensuring we leave a minimal impact on the places we explore.”
“The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard was a fantastic way to dig deep into our business to ensure we are doing our absolute best to fix any gaps. It was a great introduction to the certification process which we are hoping to go through in the near future.”
One of Australia by Nature’s standout sustainable initiatives is its emphasis on education as a pillar of its operations. This includes continually adapting sustainability efforts to keep up with new insights, changing tour offerings and educating both their staff and guests on important sustainable practices.
Caroline highlights, “Education is at the heart of everything we do. With my background in teaching Sustainable Tourism at the tertiary level and volunteering work with Sea Shepherd, I hope to inspire and educate each explorer, empowering them to bring sustainable travel practices into their everyday lives.
“Every small step makes a difference, and together, we can create lasting change.”
Australia by Nature actively promotes the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard within the industry and to its guests.
Caroline continues, “The Scorecard has provided invaluable insights on what we need to do to enhance our sustainability efforts. We are dedicated to promoting responsible tourism across our website and social media and will continue to champion this cause.
“Feedback from our guests consistently highlights that our storytelling about nature and sustainability adds an enriching layer to their tour experience.”
With its unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism, Australia by Nature is a shining example of how to craft unforgettable experiences that foster a deep connection to nature while driving progress towards a more sustainable future.
Learn more about Australia by Nature here.
Australia by Nature completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard on 19 August 2024. The scorecard is not a certification and is valid for 12 months upon completion.
- Introduce a balanced structure of member-elected Directors (maximum 5) and Board-appointed Directors (maximum 4)
- Update Director terms from 2 years to 3 years, with a maximum of two terms (6 years total)
- Meet current regulatory requirements for a Company Limited by Guarantee
- Be modernised and contemporary to meet Ecotourism Australia’s strategic imperatives and our objectives
- Provide a streamlined and concise governance framework.
