karearea themselves are highly endangered (in fact, they’re rarer than kiwi!) They hadn’t nested in Wellington city since the 70s. So do they stay or do they go? Our position is that they are
‘These birds are ruthless predators and they won’t distinguish between common-as-muck blackbirds and brink-of-extinction hihi’ part of a healthy recovering ecosystem, which is what we are trying to achieve. ‘Non-native bird species are generally not discouraged either. Tuatara and native eels will eat them (mallard ducklings are a particular favourite). Basically, a healthy native forest is far
more suitable to native birds. So the more our forest recovers, the less non-natives we will see.’ This year has seen the opening of an indoor educational experience which uses state-of-the-art multimedia displays to tell the story of the evolution of New Zealand’s unique ecosystems, their dramatic degradation and the conservation movement that developed in response. And Zealandia’s vision doesn’t stop here. It aims to be around for 500 years, relishing the challenge of engaging at least the next 25 generations. So how do they plan to achieve this? ‘By keeping the momentum going, says Alan Dicks. ‘Education is critical. Absolutely everything we do has an element of getting people to
understand and appreciate the real need for conservation and eco-restoration. We are constantly reminding people that conservation isn’t a destination, it is a constant need.’ www.visitzealandia.com what the judges said With a 500-year vision, Zealandia immediately stood out as an ambitious conservation initiative which engages with tourism to secure local support. But when you’re trying to return an area to a time before humans, it is this vision that is required! This unique project is already a safe haven for some of New Zealand’s most endangered native species. The ecological restoration of this urban wildlife sanctuary is well underway and through the removal of invasive species has enabled the successful reintroduction of species.
communities is also vital for the success of Steppes’ wildlife tourism. In the Central African Republic, the company employs the local Ba’aka tribesmen as trackers, helping them to preserve their cultural heritage. In the Galapagos, it’s funding six local young men to promote conservation on the island of Floreana. Wherever possible it uses locally owned accommodation (including Huaorani Lodge in Ecuador, see page 84), and tries to offer alternative ways and places to view wildlife that ease the pressure on high volume mainstream areas. ‘Wildlife tourism is changing,’ says Jarrod. ‘When it started, the wildlife was more of a bolt-on. But there is a strong demand now for authentic experiencies, not just ticking off species, but learning all about wildlife and conservation issues.’ www.steppesdiscovery.co.uk what the judges said Steppes has continued to adapt to wildlife tourism issues worldwide. Unhappy with the Norwegian government’s recommendations on whale watching they withdrew one of their most popular wildlife viewing trips – Orcas in Norway. Their tour guides are often experts in wildlife conservation and they are leaders in their campaigning for tiger conservation through Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT).
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