In recognition of Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary today, the charity partner for Australia’s National Parks, the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife (FNPW) and global reforestation nonprofit, One Tree Planted have announced a five-year project to plant up to one million trees in Bushfire Recovery Nurseries around Australia.
Given the impact of Australia’s devastating bushfires in 2019/20, the Bushfire Recovery Nurseries will be the first step in significant replanting following the impact of the bushfires on tree species’ in gravely affected areas.
FNPW is currently working with governments and community partners to assess priority areas in NSW, ACT, Victoria and South Australia, with a focus on re-building habitats for affected species’ such as the black glossy cockatoo and koala. Trees from the Bushfire Recovery Nurseries will be planted in national parks across Australia, as well as other public and private lands that have been affected by bushfires.
As part of its five-year commitment, One Tree Planted will donate over a million dollars AUD over the five year plan, with additional partner funding to be sourced for ongoing work. Seedlings will be established from indigenous tree species in each of the nursery locations. Work will begin as soon as possible, taking into consideration the restrictions of COVID-19, and nursery projects will be scaled up from 2021 onwards as more sites become available.
“The world was deeply impacted by the loss and heartache Australia endured during its most horrific bushfire season. This partnership with FNPW in Australia is critical in restoring wildlife habitats, assisting the growth of native vegetation, and generally protecting the world’s biodiversity. It’s an essential intervention for Australia’s future and we will do everything we can to help,” said Diana Chaplin, Canopy Director for One Tree Planted.
FNPW will begin work in South Australia using the Community Nursery model, run by local communities to propagate native and indigenous plants for landscaping, erosion prevention and providing animal habitat. Locations are being identified, with a focus on extending the capacity of existing nurseries where possible. Additional tube stock will help cater for the bushfire recovery tree species needed for government and council revegetation projects.
David Speirs, Minister for Environment and Water, South Australia said: “We are grateful to work with our long-term partner, the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife on a crucial project to help rebuild what we have lost as a result of the devastating bushfires. This is an important step towards bushfire recovery and will pave the way for conservation projects in the future.”
Since 2015, FNPW has worked on its initiative “Plant a Tree For Me’ in response to the progressively degrading environment. The Foundation’s proven expertise will be an essential part in aiding the recovery project over the coming years.
“The Bushfire Recovery Nurseries are an important step towards immediate bushfire recovery. Whilst we cannot ensure tree growth in bushfire affected areas right now due to restricted access and the severity of fires, we can plan towards the future when we will be able to plant trees at scale. It’s essential for the regeneration of Australia’s future,” concluded Ian Darbyshire, Chief Executive Officer for the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife.
About the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife
Operating for over 50 years, the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife is the trusted charity partner of Australia’s National Parks. The non-government organisation funds conservation projects across Australia to safeguard wilderness and wildlife for future generations. Its programs include Wildlife Heroes - an Australian wildlife rescue and care program and Backyard Buddies - a free educational initiative, which provides tips on transforming your backyard into a safe habitat haven.
About One Tree Planted
One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees. Their reforestation projects span the globe and are done in partnership with local communities and knowledgeable experts to create an impact for nature, people, and wildlife. Each project focus is different, and can include forest fire restoration, agroforestry, watershed health, biodiversity, climate, and social impact. Many projects have overlapping objectives, creating a combination of benefits that contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
