Restoring forests for biodiversity and carbon benefits

18 September 2007

Major global warming alliance invests in accredited emission reduction projects and restores Victoria's majestic tall forest ecosystems

A global warming alliance between not-for-profit group Climate Positive and Mercedes Car Group Australia is setting a new benchmark for emission reductions in the automotive industry.The partnership will see almost 18,000 tonnes of carbon-dioxide offset annually through accredited emission reduction projects, and around 8 hectares of biodiverse forest restored on cleared lands in South Gippsland each year.The first major biodiverse planting of the partnership is happening on Friday, 21 September 2007 at a site adjacent to the Tarra-Bulga National Park in the Strzelecki Ranges."This partnership is setting a strong environmental benchmark because it drives investment in accredited offsets," says Climate Positive director Brendan Condon."The Mercedes contribution will also see an area around 4 times the size of the MCG replanted annually in the highest carbon yield forests in Australia."The Climate Positive biodiverse forests will be rich in biodiversity, habitat values and carbon, and will contribute to regionally significant conservation strategies aimed at recreating corridors for animals to move to escape future climate change."At the planting, Climate Positive staff, local Trust for Nature partners, revegetation company Australian Ecosystems and around 40 staff from Mercedes-Benz and other offset partners, will work together to restore four hectares of Eucalyptus regnans forest," says Condon."These Mountain Ash trees are the tallest on the planet, reaching heights well in excess of 100 metres, and will draw down large volumes of additional carbon-dioxide over time from the atmosphere."Our first planting site is on a property protected by a Trust for Nature covenant, and will build a buffer to Tarra-Bulga National Park."The next planned project for the Climate Positive/Mercedes-Benz partnership is contributing to the Jack and Albert River Restoration (JARR) project in South Gippsland.The JARR project aims to restore 100 kilometres of river frontage, stretching from the headwaters in the Strzelecki Ranges, to the internationally significant Ramsar protected wetlands at Corner Inlet.

FAQs

PLANTING DETAILSThe 3.95 hectare site is at Balook in the Strzelecki Ranges, South Gippsland, adjacent to the Tarra-Bulga National Park.The planting will take place on the morning of Friday 21 September 2007.

DETAILS OF CLIMATE POSITIVE/MERCEDES-BENZ PARTNERSHIP

Climate Positive is a not-for-profit organisation which works to educate businesses and households about global warming, reduce CO2 emissions, offset 100% of residual emissions with accredited carbon offsets, replant Australia's majestic forests and inspire action on climate change.As part of this significant partnership, Mercedes-Benz is providing customers with a complimentary Climate Positive accredited offset for the first six months of vehicle ownership for all new Mercedes-Benz, Smart and Maybach vehicles sold in Australia.Climate Positive offsets 100% of these emissions in real time with Greenhouse Friendly accredited emission reductions from a range of quality Australian projects that prevent greenhouse gas release. In addition, for every tonne offset, Climate Positive replants four square meters of biodiverse forest on cleared lands in the Strzelecki Ranges.