Native Forest Restoration Portfolio, Australia

Based around the South West Darling Downs region of Queensland, the project is regenerating the native forests which have been suppressed through agriculture such as grazing. The project activities include using tree species local to the native area, managing the timing and extent of grazing, thinning for fire management, stopping or suppressing any mechanical clearing of natural regrowth. 

This project is registered through the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) Standard developed by the Australian Government. A portion of the project area is on land over which the Budjiti aboriginal people have a native title interest. Through the project they have gained additional access to their traditional lands for cultural, heritage and bush tucker purposes. They also receive a share of the carbon sale revenues.

In addition to delivering emissions removals to take climate action (SDG 13), the project delivers additional sustainable development benefits:

• No Poverty: Approximately 23,000 households live within the project area and 75% of the carbon revenue is returned to them. The project is also working with local households on agricultural training to improve crop yields and formation of a cooperative to improve access to markets.
• Decent Work and Economic Growth: The project employs quantifiers, who collect and log tree data, and has created leadership committee roles.
• Gender Equality: Women access leadership training and get managerial responsibility.
• Clean Water and Sanitation: Reforestation activities improve the supply, consistency and quality of water available. Training on filtering helps raise hygiene and safety awareness.
• Reduced Inequalities: The rotating leadership structure of the small groups empowers women and those without formal education and training.
• Life on Land: Planting trees provides shade and enables additional growth under the canopy. Increasing forest cover reduces soil erosion and surface water runoff, as well as improves water retention in the soil.