Sustainability
Kangaroo Island's commitment to sustainable tourism is evident in its efforts to preserve its unique ecosystems and support local communities.
The island's eco-tourism initiatives focus on minimising environmental impacts, promoting responsible wildlife encounters, and supporting local businesses. Visitors can explore the island's natural beauty while contributing to its conservation, making it a sustainable and rewarding destination.
Biosecurity
Kangaroo Island's unique environment is fragile and depends on strict biosecurity measures. To prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases, strict laws are in place.
Citizen Science
Join us in preserving Kangaroo Island's unique environment through citizen science and hands-on activities. While you're here, contribute to our understanding and protection of this amazing place by participating in wildlife surveys, tree planting, habitat restoration, and other on-ground initiatives.
Research And Discovery Coastal Tours, Kangaroo Island (RAD KI) offer personalised land and sea-based eco-tours that provide a unique blend of adventure, authenticity and volunteer research tourism. Owned and operated by locals and experienced eco-guides Ro and Phil, RAD KI is driven by a deep knowledge of the natural environment and its inhabitants. Blending citizen science and nature exploration, RAD KI focuses on engaging and educating visitors, facilitating handson data collection in rarely explored, ecologically sensitive areas and fostering a deep connection to
environment and country.
Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch is an award-winning community volunteer project in partnership with Whale and Dolphin Conservation, monitoring dolphin populations on Kangaroo Island since 2005.
A partner of Dolphin Watch, Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures runs regular surveys allowing local volunteers the opportunity to get out and study these amazing animals. Images and video footage are collected, identifying individual dolphins by distinctive dorsal fins and body markings. Vital data is recorded on movements and habitats, creating a sustainable, longitudinal study of extraordinary international significance.
Passport to Recovery is a federal government funded citizen science initiative, aimed at promoting recovery on Kangaroo Island, South Australia.
Visitors to KI will be able to participate in a range of citizen science projects, collecting data used by scientists to improve conservation outcomes - all within the convenience of an app on your mobile device.
When you holiday on KI you can directly give back to the community and environment you are experiencing through Passport to Recovery.
Seal Bay has unveiled a groundbreaking behind-the-scenes Research Tour, set to become a must-do experience on any Kangaroo Island adventure. In a pioneering Australian initiative, you'll gain exclusive access to ongoing research dedicated to the conservation of the Australian Sea Lion. This two-hour tour, offered at either Sunrise or Twilight, is led by our seasoned guides. Guests will delve into the latest research, explore how specialized equipment is employed, and learn techniques for scanning sea lions and collecting data using a scientific app that directly feeds information to the South Australian Research & Development Institute (SARDI). With ample time for photography, this exclusive tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in the park's captivating world.
We want to learn more about Echidnas! Where they are, what they are doing and if they are healthy - so we can work towards their conservation. How can you help? By taking photos and collecting scats (i.e. poo). To get involved, download the app called iNaturalist.
Many aspects of Echidna biology remain a mystery, even what they eat. You can collect and submit Echidna scats so scientists can investigate the molecules such as DNA and hormones within the scats to learn more about Echidna biology. From DNA within the scats we can look at diet, their genetic diversity and microbiome. From hormones we can identify highly stressed populations and investigate their reproduction.
CoastSnap is a global citizen science project to capture our changing coastlines. No matter where you are in the world, if you have a smartphone and an interest in the coast, you can join in and participate! CoastSnap uses your photos to track coastal changes. By taking photos at the same spot regularly, you will help scientists understand how storms, sea level rise, and human activities affect coastlines. Your photos are analyzed using photogrammetry to create valuable data. CoastSnap provides camera cradles or DIY options for easy participation. The more photos, the better our understanding of coastal change. You can find the local CoastSnap location at Frenchman's Rock in Penneshaw.
Are you a keen orchid enthusiast or bushwalker? Then Wild Orchid Watch (WOW) is the citizen science project for you! Always make sure you tread carefully, for your safety and also for the native orchids. They can easily be trampled by accident. The observations you collect will be directly used by scientists researching how native Australian orchids can act as indicators of ecosystem and biodiversity change.
Local Projects
The Kangaroo Island Native Plant Nursery offers over 100 species of native plants for landscaping and restoration projects. The nursery and seed bank was originally established at Parndana School with the help of Greening Australia to supply seed for direct seeding on farms in that area. The nursery provides expert advice to help landowners select the right plants for their specific needs. Established to support local farming, the nursery now supplies plants for various uses, including revegetation, windbreaks, coastal plantings, and home gardens.
The new desalination plant will produce up to 2 megalitres of water per day. The plant will be located near Hog Bay Road and will be connected to the Middle River-Kingscote network via a new trunk main. This project aims to address the island's growing water demand and improve water security, especially during dry seasons.
The new desalination plant is a significant step towards environmental sustainability. By providing a reliable water supply, the plant will reduce the reliance on groundwater resources, which can be depleted and contaminated. Additionally, the use of reverse osmosis technology in the desalination process minimizes the environmental impact by removing impurities without releasing harmful chemicals. Furthermore, the project includes investigations into alternative renewable energy sources to power the plant, further reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.