Opulent Oceania: Capella Lodge

Our Mission

August 6, 2019

Lord Howe Island is renowned not only for its spectacular scenery but also as an important breeding ground for colonies of seabirds and marine life. The island’s rich biodiversity includes many endangered and critically endangered species not found anywhere else in the world. With over 75% protected as park reserve, Lord Howe’s pristine natural environment is maintained through world-class conservation efforts that began more than 100 years ago. It’s also been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1982.

From a conservation perspective, the island has delivered many successful programs over several decades including the eradication of feral pigs, cats and goats. A world-renowned Weed Eradication Program is currently midway through its 30-year implementation, targeting more than 60 invasive weed species and has recently declared the world’s first successful eradication of African Big-headed Ants.

Our Impact

Ongoing conservation programs include the tourist number bed cap of 400 people at any one time, community-driven recycling, waste reduction programs and a world-class waste management facility that diverts 86% of the island’s waste from landfill to recycling.

Following a long history of successful ongoing conservation efforts to protect and enhance its natural environment, Lord Howe Island’s sustainability programs were recognised with five prestigious environmental awards in 2018. Most notable was the 30th Anniversary Gold Banksia Award for excellence in sustainability, recognising the island’s holistic approach to environmental management for more than a century. This added to two Green Globe Awards for Regional Sustainability and the Natural Environment, and the SERA (Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia) award, recognising Lord Howe Island as a flagship for sustainability and a model that can be shared around the world.