Pulu Keeling National Park Management Plan
Social and Economic ValuesSocial and Economic Values
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Social and Economic Values
The presence of a major bird breeding area, a historic ship wreck, and a near pristine National Park, managed for its wilderness qualities, provides income-generating opportunities for the local Cocos (Keeling) Islands community.
Special interest visitor groups such as bird watchers, eco-tourists, scuba divers and surfers, are attracted to Pulu Keeling National Park. Local licensed tour operators organise specialist trips for particular interest groups. As no camping is permitted on North Keeling Island, visitors have to be accommodated on and transported to and from the southern atoll, thereby providing further opportunities for tourism enterprises and local economic growth.
Parks Australia North operations and staff also contribute to the local economy. Parks Australia hires an ocean-going boat for access to the Park during the trade wind season, and maintenance services are also required for Parks Australia’s work boats, premises and vehicles. Where possible Parks Australia uses local contract personnel and local services for construction, office maintenance and scientific research. At the time of writing this Plan two of the four Parks Australia staff employees are members of the Cocos-Malay community.