#Tokyo #Australia #wildlife conservation #Koala Foundation #HIS Australia

HIS Partners with Australian Koala Foundation

Recently, HIS (H.I.S. Co., Ltd.), a leading travel agency based in Minato, Tokyo, announced a partnership with the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF). This collaboration aims to support vital conservation efforts for koalas, which are currently facing significant threats due to climate change, habitat destruction, and urban development. Through this initiative, parts of the sales from HIS's Australia tours will be donated to the AKF to aid their ongoing work to protect these unique marsupials and their habitats.

The Koala's Plight

Koalas, native to Australia, predominantly inhabit the forests along the eastern and southeastern coasts. However, their populations have dramatically declined, leading the Australian government to classify them as endangered species in regions such as Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory. This alarming trend underscores an urgent global need to safeguard and restore the koalas' natural habitats.

Initially established in 1986, the AKF is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to the management and conservation of wild koalas and their habitats. Their mission involves various activities, including habitat mapping, scientific research, and advocacy for protective legislation. The collaboration with HIS will contribute additional funds and resources to strengthen these essential efforts.

Details of the Partnership

HIS's contribution will take place through their Australia tour packages (Ciao and impresso). For every customer booking one of these tours, one Australian dollar will be donated to the Australian Koala Foundation. This initiative will kick off for trips departing in January 2026 and is designed to enhance customer awareness of the pressing environmental issues surrounding koala populations.

As part of their broader commitment to sustainable tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Australia, HIS has also been distributing MiiR water bottles to promote eco-friendly practices. Additionally, they have installed water refill stations in key tourist cities such as Cairns, Sydney, and Gold Coast, making it easier for travelers to reduce plastic waste while ensuring convenient access to water. This initiative aims to mitigate plastic pollution and preserve water quality, thereby indirectly aiding in the protection of koala habitats.

Through this partnership with the AKF, HIS hopes to foster a greater consciousness about the environment not only among tourists but also within the entire tourism community. By promoting awareness and encouraging responsible behaviors, they aspire to create a more sustainable and supportive environment for local ecosystems.

Key Actions by the Australian Koala Foundation

• - Koala and Habitat Protection: Initiatives aimed at decreasing the threats to koalas and ensuring long-term conservation efforts.
• - Habitat Mapping: Scientific mapping and investigation of koala habitats to better understand their requirements.
• - Research & Studies: Advancing scientific research concerning koala health, environmental changes, and related diseases.
• - Policy Advocacy: Engaging with governments to propose the establishment of laws dedicated to koala protection, such as a ‘Koala Protection Act.’
• - Education & Outreach: Providing educational materials and information to schools and the general public to enhance awareness about koala conservation.
• - Fundraising & Donations: Organizing campaigns and fundraising activities to gather support for conservation initiatives.
• - Collaboration with Other Organizations: Offering information and advice to other community and conservation groups to amplify support efforts.

The partnership between HIS and the Australian Koala Foundation marks a significant step towards ensuring the survival of this beloved species and promoting a sustainable tourism model that prioritizes environmental health. For more information about their initiatives, visit the Australian Koala Foundation's website.