- green-spots
- reforestation
- Australia
- Regreening the Great Australian Desert
Regreening the Great Australian Desert
Australia
last update:
last monthProblems
Widespread land degradation that has resulted in man-made desertification
The Great Australian Desert is a large, dry area that covers a significant portion of western and central Australia. It's the fourth largest desert in the world, after the Antarctic, the Arctic, and the Sahara. The Great Australian Desert comprises 10 primary deserts, each ranging between 0.016% and 4.5% of the continent's surface area. The Great Victoria Desert is the largest desert, around 422,466 km. The second largest desert is the Great Sandy Desert. The average rainfall in the Great Australian Desert is around 9.84 inches a year. For reference, the Sahara receives around 3 inches of rainfall a year. Additionally, the continent's interior is relatively stable and isn’t as influenced by the more common wet and dry seasons in the northern regions. Still, the wet season comes with thunderstorms that sweep the land from April to September. Despite the low population, Australia is one of the worst developed countries in the world for broadscale deforestation, wiping out endangered forests and woodlands. They have cleared nearly half of all forest cover in the last 200 years!
Solutions
Transforming large areas of degraded land back into biodiverse ecosystems
However, some regions in Australia are starting to turn this around, transforming large areas of degraded land back into biodiverse ecosystems by restoring millions of trees and, in turn, improving the lives of rural farming communities, as well as capturing over a million tons of carbon to benefit the planet as a whole. The government’s regreening efforts are driven by a desire to combat climate change and to improve the environmental conditions of the country’s arid regions. Moreover, revitalizing these landscapes has significant economic benefits that are being leveraged to create profitable and sustainable industries. Native flora plays a crucial role in Australia’s regreening efforts. The country has a unique range of plant species that are well-suited to the harsh conditions of its deserts. These plants have developed adaptations that allow them to thrive in arid environments, such as deep root systems that enable them to access groundwater and the ability to store water in their leaves and stems. Australia’s regreening initiatives involve the planting of these native species, which results in the restoration of the natural ecosystem of the region. The planting of native flora also provides numerous environmental benefits, including improved soil health, increased biodiversity, and the reduction of erosion. Australia’s regreening efforts have already yielded numerous success stories, providing hope that the country’s deserts can become thriving ecosystems. One such example is the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor restoration in Western Australia. This project involved planting over 2.5 million seeds of native flora, which has resulted in the return of over 30 species of birds and the reintroduction of several mammal species to the area. Australia’s regreening efforts are part of a broader strategy to combat climate change. The country has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030, and regreening its deserts is a significant part of this effort. Planting trees and other vegetation helps absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. Moreover, regreening efforts help to address the impacts of climate change by improving the resilience of ecosystems to extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods. By restoring the natural balance of these ecosystems, Australia is building a sustainable future that benefits both the environment and the economy. Indigenous Australians are deeply connected to the country’s deserts, and their traditional knowledge and practices have played a significant role in Australia’s regreening efforts. Indigenous communities have been involved in restoring the country’s deserts through traditional burning practices that promote the growth of native flora and the reintroduction of traditional land management techniques. Australia’s regreening efforts are a testament to the country’s innovative spirit and commitment to creating a sustainable future. The planting of native flora, the use of innovative technologies, and engaging local communities have all played a crucial role in restoring the natural balance of the country’s deserts.
Gallery
4
Timelines
2021
June 30
The 20 Million Trees Program underwent a comprehensive review, which ultimately confirmed its resounding success in achieving all four of its strategic objectives. An impressive total of 29,508,062 trees exceeding 2 meters in height had been established, significantly surpassing the initial target. Additionally, more than 30,000 hectares of land had been thoughtfully reforested, featuring a diverse array of over 2,500 plant species. The program's commitment to environmental preservation was further demonstrated by the treatment of 17,958 hectares to combat weed infestations. Equally remarkable was the engagement of 96,654 enthusiastic volunteers in various project activities, exemplifying strong community participation.
2016
The Wild Deserts project is launched at the Sturt National Park, where two large fenced enclosures are created to exclude feral predators and pests and reintroduce threatened native mammals such as bilbies, bandicoots and mulgara.
2014
The 20 Million Trees Program was launched with the primary aim of revitalizing our natural environment through the creation of green corridors, urban forests, and the protection of endangered ecological communities. This initiative centered around four strategic objectives. Firstly, the program sought to plant and nurture a staggering 20 million trees, along with the vital understorey, by the year 2020. Secondly, it placed a strong emphasis on environmental conservation by enhancing the health and connectivity of native vegetation, ultimately benefiting native species, particularly those under threat, and safeguarding fragile ecological communities. Lastly, community engagement was a pivotal component, with a commitment to working hand in hand with local communities to collectively achieve these ambitious environmental goals.
2009
The Martu rangers begin working on the Matuwa Kurrara Kurrara Indigenous protected area in Western Australia, using traditional fire management and invasive species control to care for their country.
1991
The Desert Ecology Plot Network was established in the Simpson Desert in southwestern Queensland to monitor the patterns and processes of the arid ecosystem.