Page 93 - Port Douglas Magazine 40

conservation.

PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE

Rainforest Rescue’s 25-year commitment to conservation

WORDS by Jamie Jansen
enture into the heart of the Daintree Rainforest, a place that has A decade earlier, a Cairns developer had secured large areas of this lowland
weathered the ages for at least 135 million years if not more, rainforest for development. Initially, 1100 land blocks were subdivided,
Vearning its esteemed title as Australia’s most biodiverse rainforest. but with no bridge over the Daintree River and no mains electricity, many
Yet, beneath the ancient canopy lies a critical reality - the vitality of remained undeveloped. These freehold properties in the Daintree Lowlands
this ecological gem hinges on an active commitment to protection and were surrounded by the then newly created National Park and World Heritage
conservation. Fortunately, Rainforest Rescue, a dedicated non-profit Area.
organisation, has been an unwavering guardian, working diligently to
ensure the everlasting preservation of this magical place.
Since its inception in 1999, Rainforest Rescue has been on a mission to “Rainforest Rescue’s mission is a symphony of growth, akin
protect and restore the Daintree Rainforest. As the organisation marks its 25th
anniversary this March, the occasion goes beyond mere years; it’s a tribute to to the lush rainforest itself. They stand as a guardian of the
their mission, with hands in the soil, hearts in the cause, and a promise to rainforest, intricately weaving a tapestry that protects the
preserve this natural Australian wonder for generations to come. abundant biodiversity of this magical land.”
Rainforest Rescue’s mission is a symphony of growth, akin to the lush rainforest
itself. They stand as a guardian of the rainforest, intricately weaving a tapestry
that protects the abundant biodiversity of this magical land. Many species
in the Daintree are found nowhere else on Earth, embodying relics from a Motivated by their desire to protect and restore, Rainforest Rescue embarked
prehistoric era in both flora and fauna. upon their mission to orchestrate a targeted buy-back initiative of ecologically
significant properties. Their clear goal is safeguarding the biodiverse habitats
To understand the significance of the organisation’s work, let’s start with the and the myriad species residing within the Daintree. And they are increasingly
history of the region - a story that, rest assured, concludes on a positive note. successful, as to date Rainforest Rescue has successfully acquired, protected
While the Daintree Rainforest experienced significant clearing by European and restored 44 properties in the region, 31 of which are now designated with
settlers for agriculture and timber as early as the 1800s, it didn’t gain Nature Refuge status. There’s also a compelling 80-hectare block of rainforest
international attention until 1983. A proposed Cairns-to-Cooktown road in Tasmania, but that’s a tale for another time.
ignited controversy and a massive community blockade, becoming a pivotal While rooted in rainforest protection, Rainforest Rescue has evolved its
moment in the quest to preserve Queensland’s tropical rainforests. In 1988, mission over 25 years, sprouting new programs like biodiverse and ethical seed
the Wet Tropics Rainforest earned World Heritage status, encompassing most collection, propagation, and habitat restoration. At the heart of this evolution
upland areas but excluding hill faces and coastal lowlands. lies their Daintree Native Rainforest Nursery, a thriving tree factory. But before
we plunge into the verdant details, let’s meet some of the exceptional team
steering this green ship.
Guiding the organisation’s vision since 2018 is CEO Branden Barber, a
seasoned environmentalist with a storied history at Greenpeace, Rainforest
Action Network, Amazon Watch and other noted environmental groups.
Branden’s passion for the cause is palpable as he reflects, “Our work brings
hope with straightforward action like protecting habitat and planting trees –
creating new rainforests. We all need hope, real hope, and a tomorrow we can
look forward to. Being part of Rainforest Rescue is very satisfying. Our work
is visible and tangible, and it continues to grow and grow. People plant trees
with us and then come back the next year – or years later – and see that the
little seedling they planted is now part of an emerging, developing rainforests.”
Alongside Branden is Mark Cox, communications manager at Rainforest
Rescue and a local resident of Port Douglas. Mark’s journey began as a fervent
volunteer, actively contributing to the nursery and participating in tree-
planting events. Escaping corporate burnout, Mark found solace and purpose
in tree planting, recognising its soul-restoring capacity and the tangible impact
of financial support.
Together with Branden and Mark, Rainforest Rescue comprises a predominantly
local team of 11 spread across the Daintree, Mossman, Port Douglas, and
CEO Branden Barber PHOTO CREDIT Martin Stringer