Australia’s native reforestation efforts are at risk without greater funding from government and the private sector, warns leading environmental group ReForest Now, as it celebrates the planting of its one millionth tree.
In a media release, the Byron Shire-based non-profit organisation say, ‘The milestone caps eight years of work , which has restored more than 300 hectares of cleared rainforest across the Northern Rivers, captured hundreds of thousands of tonnes of CO₂, and rebuilt habitat for countless threatened native species’.
This direct action to planting is essential ‘to rekindle the natural recovery process innate in rainforests. If we can make it strong enough through plantings and regen, it can eventually rebuild itself.’ says ReForest Now Chairperson, Maximo Bottaro.
Bottaro says the achievement shows what’s possible when community and direct action come together – however, amid a broad cost of living crisis and without governmental support, he warns that funding shortfalls risk jeopardising the next million trees.
Limited funding
ReForest Now says that while their nursery has capacity to grow hundreds of thousands of trees, capability is reduced by a lack of staffing as a result of limited funding, ultimately leading to less trees in the ground.
Bottaro says, ‘ReForest Now is committed to keeping Australia at the heart of its reforestation work’.
‘The country remains the organisation’s home and base, where its community, volunteers, and landholders are deeply engaged’.
Bottaro says the group has no intention of leaving Australia, which is where it started and where it aims to continue growing forests. However, rising costs for labour, seedlings, and equipment are making large-scale planting increasingly challenging.
‘The organisation’s program in Indonesia allows it to continue planting significant numbers of trees, but also highlights the financial pressures faced at home and the urgent need for local support to ensure Australia’s forests can continue to be restored’.
‘You see blatant environmental destruction in places, and regardless of whatever narratives you hear about it, we all agree it’s not looking good. So push back and turn the tide where you are.
‘We are totally capable of reversing the ruin of our planet. If enough passionate people step up and lead, we will get there.
‘Over a hundred past or present staff, thousands of volunteers and one hundred and fifty landholders achieved this milestone together. It is remarkable how many people stood ready to help’, adds Bottaro.
For more info visit www.reforestnow.org.au.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
