Recovery project launched to restore one million trees in Australia
Recovery project launched to restore one million trees in Australia. In honor of Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary, two nonprofit organizations have announced a five-year project to help Australia recover from devastating wildfires. One Tree Planted is teaming up with the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife (FNPW) to plant one million trees in Bushfire Recovery Nurseries.
In September of 2019, extreme heat and severe drought fueled massive bushfires that burned 21 percent of Australia’s temperate broadleaf and mixed forests. The Bushfire Recovery Nurseries are the first step toward replanting these forests.
The trees will be planted in national parks, public areas, and private lands across Australia.
Since 2015, FNPW has worked on the “Plant a Tree For Me” initiative to invest in conservation projects that will help save threatened species. FNPW is currently assessing which areas throughout Australia are in the greatest need of reforestation, with an emphasis on rebuilding habitats for impacted species such as the black glossy cockatoo and koala.
Over the next five years, One Tree Planted will donate more than a million dollars to establish seedlings from indigenous trees in each of the nursery locations.
Diana Chaplin is the Canopy Director for One Tree Planted.
“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 Chaplin.
Ian Darbyshire is the Chief Executive Officer for the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.
“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,” said Darbyshire.
One Tree Planted is also teaming up with Sustainable Green Initiative to plant 500,000 fruit trees in India. Beyond combating poverty and hunger, the reforestation efforts will support cleaner air and help reduce the damaging effects of climate change.
The fruit tree species will include moringa, papaya, banana, lemon, guava, apricot, pear, peach, and jujubes. The trees will be planted and nurtured by local partners at Sustainable Green Initiative.
Matt Hill is the Chief Environmental Evangelist at One Tree Planted.
“Everyone is hurting in different ways right now due to Covid-19, and we’re honored to be able to help through the simple act of planting trees,” said Hill. “These trees will support cleaner air, water, food, and social impact for families. It’s a humble offering that can have a ripple effect of benefit for years to come.”
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By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer
