How you can help

Tourism plays a crucial role in protecting the Great Barrier Reef and all visitors pay an environmental management charge (EMC) which contributes to the day-to-day management and conservation of the Reef. 

The most eco-friendly way to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef is by booking a tour, as most operators include an environmental management charge as part of their ticket price. Look out for operators who have an EcoTourism Australia or EarthCheck certification, and just by experiencing the Reef with these operators, you’re contributing to its protection and preservation.

Minimise your carbon footprint during your visit and choose to stay at an eco-resort on the Great Barrier Reef. Several world-leading eco-tourism resorts have fully adapted to sustainable living practices to minimise their environmental impact.

You can also get involved with organisations such as Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, Reef Check Australia, Reef Teach and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, many of which offer voluntourism opportunities to help clean up the Reef, monitor wildlife and collect invaluable data. 

Many tourism operators also encourage guests to act as “citizen scientists” to report observations and wildlife sightings via the Eye on the Reef app.