LEI Eco Resort: ecological dimensions

Question 1

environmental constraints:

Answer 1

• GBRMPA environmental audit
• operate sustainably, prohibit–> aquaculture, crabbing, harvesting cucumbers, spear fishing, trawling
• green zone
• a desire for minimal disturbance to the pristine environment–> all people at resort follow “best environmental practice guidelines”
• in Reef Education centre, pamphlets, staff spoken
• all activities–> supervised by guides/ experienced staff
• interaction with nature–> overseen by marine biologist
• guests well educated

Question 2

info booklets:

Answer 2

explain:

• best environmental practice for activity (turtle hatching)
• safe practice (snorkelling)
• optimal locations
• entry/exit point –> safe, avoid crushing coral
• dangerous speices
• incl. reef walking, snorkelling, turtle watching, fish feeding, observing seabirds

Question 3

climate:

Answer 3

• tropical, 20-29 degrees, water temp–> 20-25
• disruption only in cyclone/large storm–> limit snorkelling
• in windy days, leeward side fine, activities go there
• strict procedures like evacuation when cyclone threaten

Question 4

human impacts: pollution

Answer 4

• chemical products have had problems in past
• waste water treatment (bio-treatment plant)–> phosphate kill good bacteria
• minimise runoff, glass bottom boat –> minimal oil
• only 1-2 trips/day, short trips 10min each time

Question 5

ecological susainability: eco tech

Answer 5

• hybrid power station –> solar panels, reduce CO2 by 70%
• lower power bulbs, gas instant hot water (less electricity)
• 3 stage bio cycle= waste water treatment plant
• collect rainwater= watering gardens
• desalination plant
• removal waste by boat

Question 6

eco resort cert:

Answer 6

highest level of ECO certification program

• ECO Certified as Advanced tourism by Ecotourism Aus
• by educating guests
• achieving best practice, wise resource usage
• conserving environment, helping local communities

Question 7

energy audit: original resort, level, reduction initiatives

Answer 7

• resort originally –> 3 diesel generators using 550L/day
• level 3 energy audit by GBRMPA 2007
• removes clothes dryers
• replace old appliance with energy efficient one
• establish energy management protocols

Question 8

resort focus:

Answer 8

eco-sustainability –> reducing effect on env. contraints

Question 9

resort focus:

Answer 9

eco-sustainability –> reducing effect on env. constraints

Question 10

energy audit: power station

Answer 10

• 20 kWH hybrid power station (96 panels) –> Dec 2008
• reduce fuel burn, by 50%, 150L/day, 142 000 L/yr
• new generator –> 1/3 size, more efficient
• overall cost $750 000

Question 11

tri power system:

Answer 11

solar, diesel generator and batteries

• 120 kWH system
• diesel-> top up/charge batteries
• solar: 450/ 750-850kWH per day

Question 12

batteries

Answer 12

• 72 batteries, 3500 Amp hours
• $2000 each
• new -> carbon magnesium core–> surround salt water
• light more effective

Question 13

solar panel system:

Answer 13

• 2015: 8kW solar panel on breezeway
• total solar capacity 28kW
• ## 96–> 128 panels