Why the Otways?
The Great Otway National Park was newly formed in 2005 from a merging of neighbouring reserves and combines with the Otway Forest Park to provide a protected area system of over 140 000 hectares. Alongside the beautiful habitats enjoyed by visitors, the Otways contain precious water catchments, designated wild rivers, and pristine reference areas.
The Otways is listed as one of Victoria’s flagship areas for biodiversity conservation1 and as a biodiversity hotspot2 (a biologically rich and threatened area). The Otway bioregions are of significant conservation importance with 97 species of rare or threatened plants and 77 rare or threatened species of fauna2. These co-habit with iconic Australian species such as Koalas, Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Echidnas and Platypus. Amongst its diverse habitats the region includes forests of mountain ash which were recently discovered to be the best in the world at locking up carbon4 and thus are a critical element in tackling climate change.
Our Work
Conservation
Research - is required to better understand the animal communities, habitats and ecological processes that make up the Otways protected area system, and the threats to them. The COCCE facilitates and supports researchers in this vital work. Our approach includes focussing on flagship species to garner support for protected area management. Conservation of these species incorporates mitigation of threatening processes and subsequent benefits across a broad range of habitats and species.
Assisting with Protected Area management - through the provision of information and the facilitation of conservation activities we are working with a diverse range of government agencies, non-governmental organisations, community groups and stakeholders towards bioregion conservation, both within and beyond protected area boundaries.
Rehabilitation of Wildlife –through our wildlife hospital facility we treat, rehabilitate and release back into the wild native animals that have suffered from injury or trauma usually through anthropogenic (human caused) impacts. Where appropriate we facilitate and implement close-up studies of native species, and assess the success of rehabilitation after release. We also facilitate the release of native animals and/or the augmentation of threatened or vulnerable native animal populations where necessary.
Stewardship
“Nature is but another name for health” Henry David Thoreau
By helping nature we help ourselves. There is now abundant evidence that green places
not only make us
feel calmer and more renewed, but have a significant effect on mental
alertness, cognitive performance, and in hospital situations lead to decreased recovery time and pain management. Wilderness experiences increase our self-awareness, our self-respect, our sense of connection to nature and to other people5.
Here at the Cape Otway Centre, we recognise these links to human health and wellbeing and the Great Ocean Ecolodge is an essential part of our conservation efforts, providing an opportunity to re-engage people with nature. The Ecolodge is a place where you can be a part of the natural world, observe it, enjoy it, share it and work alongside us to conserve it (www.greatoceanecolodge.com.au). Because the Ecolodge is designed and operated sustainably, with solar power, solar hot water, pure rainwater and organic dining you will not be impacting upon the natural world during your stay. The Great Ocean Ecolodge provides an immersive nature experience: guests live sustainably and are invited to observe wildlife accompanied by dedicated ecologists, assist with the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife and participate in ecological monitoring and habitat restoration projects alongside ecological researchers. Only through recognising our connection and interdependence with nature can we truly understand the value of our natural environment, and so seek conserve and protect it.
Education and Capacity Building
We are working to raise levels of environmental awareness and appreciation of the Otways region, and to promote the values of ecological research and conservation. This is carried out through community education and participation programs, open days, workshops and a variety of other events. We also are building capacity for conservation and research through our annual Conservation Ecology Fellowship program, community engagement activities and by securing increased resources for conservation efforts undertaken with our program partners.
Mission
To facilitate research and conservation activities that support conservation of the habitats, biodiversity and natural ecological processes in the Otway Ranges and surrounding areas.
To provide inclusive and meaningful experiences with nature and wildlife, to benefit human health and wellbeing.
To increase awareness and understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity and thereby improve the perceived value of conservation and its sustainability.
References
1. Department of Sustainability and Environment. (2009) Securing our natural future: a white paper for land and biodiversity at a time of climate change. State Government of Victoria, Melbourne.
2. Parks Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment (2009) Caring for country the Otways and you : Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park management plan. Parks Victoria, Melbourne.
3. Tourism Australia and Parks Australia (2010) National Landscapes Program. http://www.tourism.australia.com/nl accessed online 22nd April 2010.
4. Keith, H., B.G Mackey, D.B. Lindenmayer (2009) Re-evaluation of forest biomass carbon stocks and lessons from the world’s most carbon dense forests. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 106(28): 11635-111640
5. Frunkin, H (2001) Beyond toxicity: Human health and the natural environment. American Journal of Preventative Medicine 20(3): 234-240
