Voluntary conservation agreements and the specialist accommodation sector in north Queensland

Abstract

Voluntary conservation agreements held by private landholders can provide protection for endangered species and ecosystems that would otherwise have little or no protection. The mutual ecological benefits that can be achieved when private landholders integrate voluntary conservation agreements with tourism accommodation on their property are discussed. Land for Wildlife, Nature Refuges and Cooperative Management Agreements are mechanisms for protecting private freehold land in perpetuity or set years as decided by the landowner themselves. It would appear liaison support from regulatory agencies of these programs is required on a regular basis to continue to conserve key ecological habitats and expand upon the protected area system.