Containing over 200 kilometres of spectacular coastline, rugged mountain backdrops, lush tropical rainforests, stunning beaches and coral reefs at its doorstep; the Port Douglas and Daintree region is simply Australia's most desirable tropical destination. It is held in high esteem by scientists the world over for its unique populations of rare plants as well as its terrestrial and marine biodiversity.
The Port Douglas Daintree region is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage areas exist side by side. Significant sections of Wet Tropics World Heritage Area which include the magnificent Daintree National Park and the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, are located within easy reach of accommodation in Port Douglas, Mossman and Cape Tribulation.
Underpinning this abundance of natural assets is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. It is a commitment on the part of the local and business community to protect and preserve the region for the benefit of future generations to come. Almost 80% of the land area of the Port Douglas and Daintree region is World Heritage listed and in October 2001, prior to its amalgamation with Cairns, the Douglas Shire attained Green Globe 21 Benchmarking in recognition of its world class initiatives to achieve sustainability as a community and international tourist destination, making it one of the world's 'greenest destinations'.
The region's traditional owners, the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people also attained native title over a large portion of the Mossman, Daintree and Cape Tribulation regions in late 2007. The Native Title determination included provision for freehold lands for their future use, increase national park estates and nature refuges. It was the fourth largest native title determination in Queensland.
The Port Douglas and Daintree region also has strict development control plans from a local government perspective which limit the spread of development to select areas and steps are now well underway to buy back set aside large sections of land north of the Daintree River for conservation.
The members of the Port Douglas Incentives Group are likewise committed to the principles of preserving and conserving the unique region in which they operate their diverse range of accommodation, transport, event services, touring and attractions. Many of these business tourism operators are industry leaders in their respective fields of expertise and those who undertake nature based activities have attained Ecotourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia's Nature and Ecotourism Accreditation Program.
Ecotourism Australia was formed in 1991 and is a not-profit organisation which is the peak national body for the ecotourism industry.
