We know that climate change is the most significant environment issue of our time. It is affecting our ecosystems and threatening the world's biodiversity. 

Australia and New Zealand are home to some of the world’s most unique ecosystems. Up to 80% of the native species found here can't be found anywhere else in the world.

Greenfleet is unique in its approach to native reforestation and climate action. We believe in protecting and enhancing biodiversity through our work and have embedded this approach in our reforestation practice.  

By legally protecting our forests for up to 100 years, we are ensuring that the climate and biodiversity action we take today, will have positive environmental impacts for future generations.  

What Is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is made up of two words: ‘biological’ and ‘diversity’. In broad terms, it refers to the ecology and varied species that live on Earth or in a certain area. This includes trees, shrubs, insects, animals, fungi and more.  

Australia and New Zealand are home to many varied ecosystems with different biodiversity values that make them unique. This is why Greenfleet takes steps to ensure the tree and plant species we restore are locally native to each area we work in, helping to recreate the forest ecosystems that existed prior to land clearing.  

Biodiversity In Australia

Australia is one of 17 countries classified as ‘mega-diverse’ meaning we contribute significantly to the World’s overall biodiversity. Our geographical isolation also means we provide habitat for many species that couldn’t exist anywhere else in the world. 

A resilient and biodiverse ecosystem can remain functional when impacted by disturbances, which is critical with the enduring climate crisis. It is even more important in Australia, where regions are increasingly susceptible to extreme weather events such as bushfires and floods.  

There are at least 100 ecological communities in Australia that are considered Endangered, Threatened, or Critically Endangered under the Federal Environmental and Biodiversity Protection Act (EBPC) 1999. Through Greenfleet’s work these communities are being bolstered and protected allowing the ecosystems to thrive. 

What Is Threatening Biodiversity? 

In Australia and New Zealand, biodiversity is threatened by climate change, deforestation, habitat destruction, invasive species, changes to water flow and aquatic environments, and unsustainable use of natural resources. 

Thousands of animal species, plant species and ecological communities (such as forests, woodlands, and wetlands) are currently facing extinction. Many of these species are endemic to Australia or New Zealand, which means they are found nowhere else in the world. 

Greenfleet's Approach To Biodiversity Restoration 

Greenfleet has been delivering climate action by restoring native, biodiverse forests for over 25 years. Since 1997, we have planted over 10.8 million native trees across 550 forests in Australia and New Zealand.  

Greenfleet plants with purpose. Our forests are suited to the local environment, improve soil, and water quality, and provide critical habitat for native wildlife, including many endangered species. By legally protecting our forests for up to 100 years, we ensure that they can grow for decades to come. 

Our forests grow to remove carbon emissions on behalf of our supporters, but more importantly they also help conserve the unique biodiversity of the regions in which we work. 

Greenfleet aims to restore forests that would have existed prior to land clearing. At each of our revegetation projects, we select up to 50 locally native plant species. By planting a wide variety of locally native species the additional flora can regenerate, and the local wildlife can return to use the trees as sources of food and habitat.  

Greenfleet's Biodiversity Work

Greenfleet carefully selects and plant species that are locally native to the areas we are working in. Some highlights of our work conserving biodiversity include: Planting and protecting 550 native forests across 10,950 hectares of land. Restoring koala habitat across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Partnering with La Trobe University to research insect biodiversity. Helping preserve the Glossy Black-Cockatoo and other endangered species. Restoring habitat for threatened species in Kinglake National Park. 

Where Are Greenfleet’s Forests Growing? 

Greenfleet has revegetation projects established across Australia and in New Zealand. Most of our forests are growing in Australia’s eastern states; Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, and we continue to extend our impact through our upcoming projects.  

This forest is called  Wurneet Laang Laang and is growing in Victoria’s South Gippsland. These images are taken about five years apart and show how Greenfleet’s revegetation work can transform landscapes.  

See where some of Greenfleet’s other revegetation projects are growing here.  

Support Our Work Enriching Australia's Biodiversity

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