Renmark River Cruises has tours accredited as ecotourism products with Ecotourism Australia. They operate in the Riverland (Bookmark) Biosphere, in the waters of the anabranch system of the River Murray, and in the main River Murray upstream of Renmark. These wetlands and anabranch system have been designated as being of International Significance by the RAMSAR Convention.

ECOTOURISM
The definition of ecotourism adopted by Ecotourism Australia is:

"Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation".

ECOTOURISM AUSTRALIA
E. A. is the peak ecotourism organization within Australia, and accredits products after a thorough accreditation procedure. Further information on the organization can be found at www.ecotourism.org.au

RIVERLAND (BOOKMARK) BIOSPHERE
Riverland is one of a number of biospheres around the world (some 400 - of which 12 are in Australia), a part of the UNESCO programme Man and The Biosphere. This programme aims to reduce the destruction of vegetation types around the world, partly through the development of Environmentally Sustainable Developments. These are industries through which people can earn a living without destroying the ecosystems in the area in which they have their industry. Ecotourism is one such industry, and Renmark River Cruises have products that have been endorsed within this framework. Further information on the Man and Biosphere program of UNESCO can be obtained at www.unesco.org.
The floodplain creeks which the backwater dinghy expeditions traverse are a part of the Murray River National Park, Bulyong Island section, and as such are under the control of the Department of Environment and Heritage. There are many other sections of this National Park in the Riverland, and further information on these can be found at www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks

RIVERLAND ECO GUIDES
Ecotourism is one of the environmentally sustainable developments suitable within the Riverland Biosphere, and nine tour operators completed a significant training course over two years in the mid - late nineties to become accredited as Riverland Eco Guides. Allan Carthew, our tour guide was one of these original members. Information on other Riverland Eco Guides and their tour offerings can be found at www.bookmarkguides.org.au.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Being ecotourism accredited, and environmentally responsible, Renmark River Cruises have implemented a number of policies and procedures to ensure that any impact on the environment by them is minimal. This is an ongoing process with new procedures being implemented wherever necessary. Such procedures include the choice of cleaning agents, selection of stopping places, recycling of materials, purchase of materials including foodstuffs, choice of walking trails if used, and so on. There is particular emphasis placed on the removal of any rubbish they produce, and also that of others when encountered. All guests are encouraged to be an active part of this environmental responsibility.