EVERYDAY ECOTOURISM HEROES EDITION 8: JUDITH MUIR
For Judith Muir of Polperro Dolphin Swims, teaching students to become custodians of their own futures is about “entertaining greatly whist educating gently.”
It is her belief in the power of education and her deep care and concern for the marine environment, particularly around beautiful Port Phillip Bay in Victoria, that has seen Judith volunteer her time and expertise to Advanced Ecotourism Certified Polperro Dolphin Swims as acting education/conservation liaison.
Judith, who has been part of the Polperro team for 33 years, says she is inspired by the business’ dedicated and talented crew:
“Polperro has long been known for its highest quality tours and authenticity,” she says, explaining that she works with the team to provide powerful educational experiences for guests.
Volunteering on several occasions to facilitate school groups on board Polperro, as well as running follow up presentations that discuss key environmental issues facing waterways, Judith notes that it is her strong belief that we must educate and empower our youth to become custodians of the land.
Judith is also the instigator of a new program called the Canopy of Care. This program is a collective of like-minded organisations which work together to provide educational resources and on-site experiences that inform people about important environmental issues, particularly those which affect Australia’s coasts and waterways. Judy says the program is aimed to inspire and encourage young adults to take action.
“By entertaining greatly whilst educating gently, students are encouraged and resourced to become custodians of their own futures, she explains.
“Conservation through education is essential.”
The Canopy of Care has developed and provides a number of services, including teacher resources, fieldwork activities, advice and assistance for schools running fieldwork trips at Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington Peninsula coastline, expert guest speakers for fieldwork trips or school visits, professional development opportunities for teaching staff and inspiration and support for community-based projects.
Judith is a strong believer that if people are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the environment, they will see its beauty and take the necessary actions to protect it.
Her willingness and ability to pass on her intimate knowledge of the environment and share her love of all things found in the ecosystem are part of Judith’s key pillars. That’s why she’s spent her lifetime dedicated to environmental sustainability – a value that she, through her passion and knowledge, passes onto the next generation daily.
Thank you, Judith, for all you do – and to the Polperro Dolphin Swim’s team for nominating Judith!
For more information on Polperro Dolphin Swims, visit their website or Facebook page.
For more information on our other Everyday Ecotourism Heroes, check out the other articles in this series:
- Edition 1: Ronda Green, Araucaria Ecotours
- Edition 2: Zane Robnik, Park Trek
- Edition 3: Jess Leask, Kings Ningaloo Reef
- Edition 4: Zak Kelly, Whitsunday Segway Tours
- Edition 5: Tracey Larkin, Mt Barney Lodge
- Edition 6: Alex Crowe, Broger’s End Kangaroo Valley
- Edition 7: Elizabeth Hackett, Magnums Backpackers
Is there someone in your business who you think is an Everyday Ecotourism Hero? Tell us about them!
Have we piqued your interest in travelling sustainably? Make sure you check out our Green Travel Guide and news page for some eco travel inspiration!