Rainforests – our Hero₂s

In protecting and extending our rainforests we are rejuvenating a complex, mega-diverse natural system that is extremely effective in absorbing and storing carbon.

1. We must PROTECT old growth rainforests:

Australia’s remarkable and ancient forests are huge carbon sinks, tying up tonnes of carbon in their biomass – both above and below ground. Research from CSIRO1 indicates that the amount of carbon tied up in these forests is on average 295 tonnes per hectare.

Factor: One square meter (m²) of rainforest costs on average $2.90 to buy and protect (one hectare is 10,000 m²). If we loose our forests, just one tonne of carbon could release around 3.67 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
1. Hilbert, D.W. (CSIRO Scientist - in press, 2007) In: Living in a Dynamic Tropical Forest Landscape. Stork, N. and Turton, S. (eds.). Blackwell Publishing.

2. We need to EXTEND our rainforests:

Planting the right tree in the right place is critical to extending our rainforests on land previously cleared of rainforest trees. These selected native species grow rapidly, adsorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere, releasing oxygen back into the air and storing carbon in their biomass.

Factor: Scientists tell us that on average it will take four Australian native trees growing to maturity (40 years), to take up a tonne of carbon dioxide. It costs the Australian Rainforest Foundation $4 to plant and look after a tree.

3. And RECOVER rare, threatened and endangered species:

The rainforest relies on a range of native birds, bats and other creatures to distribute the seeds of the rainforest trees. Unfortunately many of these species are rare or endangered and this includes the Southern Cassowary. Investing in programs to help recover these essential seed dispersers helps our rainforests survive.

Factor: Your Hero₂ contribution will buy food and drugs for endangered birds and animals including cassowaries at the Australian Rainforest Foundation sponsored recovery facility in far north Queensland.