Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Sustainability

Winner of the Australian Tourism Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism 2012 & 2013

Minimising Environmental Footprint

As a business that showcases the natural environment, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys works hard to minimise its environmental footprint and is a substantial contributor to conservation. 

The company's energy use, water consumption and waste output is measured through the internationally recognised EarthCheck system. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys consistently exceeds EarthCheck's Best Practice Level across all indicators.
  

100% Carbon Offset

Since 2008, the business has been Carbon Offset through an annual donation to Greening Australia. These funds are put towards local planting programs within Tasmania. Over 120,000 trees have been planted to date, with a further 250,000 trees to be planted in the years ahead. This is part of an ambitious project to restore 1000 hectares in Tasmania's Northern Midlands.  Revegetation will restore biodiversity, connecting critical habitats and encouraging wildlife to move across the landscape.

 
  

Advanced Ecotourism Certification

Since September 2008, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys has been certified by Ecotourism Australia. The ECO Certification program assures travellers that certified products are backed by a strong, well managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high quality nature-based tourism experiences.

All of the company's products hold Advanced Ecotourism Certification. This recognises tourism with strong interpretation values, commitment to nature conservation and helping local communities.

 

Pennicott Foundation

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys also contributes directly to its own conservation and humanitarian projects through the Pennicott Foundation and the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Nature Conservation Fund.

Tasman Island Restoration - The company has donated $100,000 towards coastal conservation projects undertaken by the Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service. The first of these was completed in June 2010, when a feral species was eradicated from Tasman Island, saving 50,000 breeding seabirds each year. 

Follow the Yellow Boat Road - In 2011, Robert Pennicott circumnavigated Australia in a 5.4m inflatable dinghy with his Operations Manager Mick and cameraman Zorro. The journey raised $300,000 for conservation and to assist Rotary's efforts to eradicate polio from the world.

Bookend Trust - The Bookend Trust is a not-for-profit educational initiative that seeks to inspire students and their communities with the positive environmental careers they can build by making the world a better place. Bookend operates a variety of programs that deliver real environmental outcomes and educational benefits for students in primary, secondary and tertiary education.

Diabetes Tasmania - The Pennicott Foundation is a major sponsor of Diabetes Tasmania through the support of a variety of projects that encourage students to live healthy. This culminates in the Schools Triathlon Challenge event that gives an opportunity for 4,000 Tasmanian school students to participate in a social triathlon. It is totally focused on participation, fun, enjoyment, getting students active and providing an individual challenge in a safe environment. 

 

Supporting the Community

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys places a high importance on sharing its success with the local community.

Local Staff - Local staff are the foundation of the business, this provides employment and training opportunities in regional communities.

Local Purchases - Goods and services are purchased from local suppliers where possible and local cafes, providores and tourist attractions are included as part of the tours. 

Donations & Sponsorships - The company provides donations and sponsorships to a wide range of community groups. In 2012/13 Pennicott Wilderness Journeys supported more than 200 festivals, events, charities, schools, sports clubs and community groups.