South West conservation group Nature Conservation Margaret River Region is facilitating the development of a community coastal code to safeguard the Capes Coast into the future.
The code is part of Nature Conservation's new Caring for Coast Program funded by philanthropic support from Line in the Sand (LITS).
Community members are invited to attend Capes Coastal Forums being conducted in Yallingup and Augusta during March.
We have an amazing opportunity now to influence how we want to see the coast in the future...
- Drew McKenzie
Community members can learn how a coastal code might help protect our coast for generations, and have input to what a code might look like.
The two proposed forums will complement an event run in Margaret River last November, where community members provided overwhelming support for the coastal code concept.
"Our coast is not only spectacular and beautiful, it also shapes our lifestyles," Nature Conservation's Coastal Restoration Officer Drew McKenzie said.
"We have an amazing opportunity now to influence how we want to see the coast in the future, to communicate the coastal values we want protected, and to guide behaviours of resident and tourists, inspiring them to value, care and respect the coast.
"The coastal code concept has been inspired by an initiative to protect the ecological values of the islands of Pulau in the Pacific Ocean from the impacts of tourist populations.
"The 'Pulau Pledge' enlists locals and tourists alike to care for the island through a series of agreed principles that influence the way people use the environment."
Community Engagement Officer Tracy Muir is also assisting with the development of the coastal code.
"We are not talking about a set of rules to control what people do on the coast, but instead a set of values and principles that guide coastal use by both local residents and tourists," she explained.
"If a code is going to work it needs to be supported and owned by our community, as custodians of the coast, and we need local champions or ambassadors to spread the message. We urge community members to come along to the forums, to learn more and get involved."
For more information or to register for the upcoming Capes Coastal Forums visit www.natureconservation.org.au/news-events/#upcoming-events