Coastal forum highlights hard work to protect our coastline
Forum highlights support for a code of the coast
At the forum, there was almost unanimous support for the idea of a voluntary “coastal code”. It would involve locals and visitors alike becoming stewards and champions of our coast and its conservation. At Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, we’ve already adopted a “leave no trace” policy. We take care of the coast by picking up any rubbish we see. Our guides take part in monitoring wildlife. And we’re firm supporters of the concept of a coastal code.
Coastal code modelled on Palau Pledge
The concept of a coastal code is modelled on the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau. It introduced a requirement for visitors to sign a pledge to act in an ecologically and culturally responsible way on the island. The hugely successful campaign, called the Palau Pledge, was spearheaded in part by author Laura Clarke. Laura – who spoke at the forum in Margaret River – says a similar concept could work in our region. And she believes it warrants further community discussion.
Plans for progressing the code for the coast
Our operations manager Hamish Gibson attended the coastal forum. He said it was inspiring to hear from so any groups who are working to protect the coastline of the Margaret River region. And he was excited to see how the idea of a coastal code progresses. Stay tuned for more on this initiative, which is being championed by the Line In The Sand philanthropic group and supported locally by Nature Conservation and Cape to Cape Explorer Tours.