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Queensland Biodiversity Pilot Project, Australia

This pioneering pilot project uses the Miyawaki method to plant forests on small areas of land, helping to restore biodiversity and connect natural habitats. 

Project general info

Location
australian-flag-icon-hd-transparent-png-73447 Queensland, Australia
Project goal
The primary goal of the project is to enhance biodiversity and restore native ecosystems that have been degraded or lost. By selecting a diverse array of species, the project aims to create a robust, self-sustaining ecosystem that supports a wide range of wildlife, promotes soil rejuvenation, and contributes to the purification of air and water in the area.
Team members
nicholas wall_profile picture_orange (1)

Nicholas Wall
Head of New Projects

brett krause_profile picture_orange-min

Brett Krause
Project Manager

Project description

This Queensland Biodiversity Pilot Project is a pioneering biodiversity project located in Queensland, Australia. This project is designed to utilise the Miyawaki method, a revolutionary technique that encourages the rapid growth of native forests to cultivate a dense, biodiverse forest consisting of approximately 2,000 trees from 40 different local species.

Project ID
Currently in the pilot phase.
1

Positive impact on local communities

The project will involve community members in the planting process, fostering a sense of ownership and environmental stewardship among the local population. Educational programmes will also be integrated into the project to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity.

Upon completion, the project will serve as a model for ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation, demonstrating how small-scale projects can contribute significantly to environmental health and sustainability. The project also aims to provide a green space for the community and serve as a research site for studying the benefits and dynamics of Miyawaki forests in Australian ecosystems.

Queensland Biodiversity Pilot Project_bullet point 1-min
2

Positive impact on the environment

By creating hubs and small networks of forests, the project aims to connect natural habitats for species to move through landscapes. The Miyawaki method entails recreating forests that would normally take 200 years to grow in bare land. With all the different local species planted, small and large, the Miyawaki method can create a forest canopy within a year that functions within the ecosystem. The density of the forest boosts biodiversity, with hundreds of trees, plants, and shrubs growing together and fostering habitats for many species. It attracts various birds and insects that create a positive feedback loop for the surrounding area.

Brett Krause, the Project Manager, calls it the ‘Miyawaki revolution solution’. The southern cassowary bird, for example, is the only bird that will consume certain tree species’ seeds and, in turn, help spread the seeds of such species, creating more forests. The species selected for the forest is thus specifically selected to attract cassowaries. 

Queensland Biodiversity Pilot Project_bullet point 2-min
3

Project timeline

The Miyawaki forest was planted in 2023.

Queensland Biodiversity Pilot Project_bullet point 3-min

The project's impact

This project engages community members in planting and managing Miyawaki forests, enhancing local engagement and education on biodiversity. It aims to demonstrate the substantial environmental impact of small-scale efforts by accelerating the growth of diverse, dense forests that mimic natural ecosystems. These forests are expected to develop mature canopies within just a year, significantly faster than traditional forest growth, supporting a rich biodiversity. It also promotes connectivity between natural habitats, facilitating wildlife movement and interaction, particularly targeting species like the southern cassowary to aid in seed dispersal. The initiative showcases how targeted forest planting can dramatically boost local biodiversity and ecological health.

Where the project is located

australian-flag-icon-hd-transparent-png-73447 El Arish, Queensland, Australia

About this region

The project is located in the rural town of El Arish, in the Cassowary Coast Region of Queensland, Australia. The region is home to various endangered species that are threatened by fragmented habitats and reduced biodiversity.

 

What we will achieve with this project

2,000

trees planted

0.025

hectare of land revitalised

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How can we help you?

At the core of our mission lies the preservation of nature and the fostering of biodiversity. DGB Group is actively working to restore nature. Join us in creating a greener future through impactful nature-based projects. Reach out to us to learn more about our work.