Planet Ark is calling on Australians to join the collective effort to care for our unique biodiversity and to help support the country’s threatened species this National Tree Day.
According to the most recent State of the Environment report, more than 1900 species are listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Of this, more than 70 per cent (1385) are plant species, yet significantly less resources are dedicated towards protecting threatened plant species.
The issue of threatened species conservation is also prevalent in cities as well as regional areas, with recent research revealing approximately 30 per cent of Australia’s threatened species live within the country’s 98 ‘urban areas’ cities.
Urban areas have also been proven to support substantially more threatened species per unit area than more rural regions.
Just some of the species groups around the country are planting for this week include the Mount Lofty Ranges southern emu wren, the growling grass frog, the southern cassowary, the regent parrot, the mahogany glider and Australia’s favourite fluffy marsupial the koala, among others.
With Australia’s biodiversity in decline and facing significant challenges, National Tree Day serves as an important opportunity for individuals, schools and communities to actively engage with their local environment. Participants are empowered to make a positive impact by restoring habitats, creating wildlife corridors, and enhancing the resilience of local ecosystems.
Planet Ark chief executive Rebecca Gilling said National Tree Day is not just about planting trees; it’s about fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment.
“It provides a tangible way for everyone to take part in the conservation of our natural heritage and play a vital role in supporting threatened plant and animal species,” she said.
Schools Tree Day, specifically tailored for educational institutions, aims to instil environmental stewardship among students early on by providing the opportunity for young Australians to gain valuable insights into local biodiversity and ecosystems and the important role that native vegetation plays in supporting it.
Planet Ark research has shown around 70 per cent of Australians agree spending time in nature increases their desire to protect environment, yet about three quarters feel they don’t spend enough time in nature.
National Tree Day was established by Planet Ark in 1996, with more than five million volunteers contributing to more than 27 million native trees, shrubs and grasses planted in the years since. While planting events can be planned year-round, the program will celebrate Schools Tree Day on July 26, and National Tree Day on July 28.
Details: treeday.planetark.org.
