Business View Oceania - June 2024

development of community-based tourism projects. “It’s essential that the local communities see the benefits of wildlife tourism, not just the tourists. This way, they are more likely to support conservation efforts and protect their natural heritage,” Green emphasizes. One of the standout examples of WTA’s impact is the bat hospital in Northern Queensland. The facility cares for injured and orphaned flying foxes and other bats, most of which are rehabilitated for release back into the wild. Tourists can visit the hospital, learn about bat conservation, and even participate in hands-on activities like preparing food for the bats. Green describes the experience as “quite a spectacle to watch the bats at dusk. First, a few make experimental circles, and then more and more take off until thousands are in the air. Tourists get to witness this natural event and learn about the vital role bats play in the ecosystem and the threats they face.” The model of integrating wildlife conservation with Peter Gash, custodian of Lady Elliott Island, giving a keyno 61 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06 WI LDL I FE TOURISM AUSTRAL IA