Right now, vital rainforest ecosystems are being lost to deforestation, development, and degradation—but we have a chance to turn the tide. The Rainforest Conservation Foundation is working to purchase and restore 100 hectares of deforested land—an area roughly the size of 185 football fields—bringing native trees, wildlife, and biodiversity back to life. You can help ...
Rainforest Conservation Foundation
Land purchase for Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest Restoration
GOAL
$1,500,000
Australia > QLD > Regional
Field of Interest
- Education/training and employment
- Environment conservation and climate change
Target Population
- Flora / fauna
- Young people (6-25)
Rainforest Conservation Foundation
The Rainforest Conservation Foundation (RCF) is an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to safeguarding and restoring the rainforests of Far North Queensland's Wet Tropics. Established in 1996, RCF focuses on reforestation, habitat protection, and community engagement to preserve these critical ecosystems.
Our mission is to raise awareness about the importance of conservation, protect land against deforestation, and implement innovative reforestation techniques. We collaborate with local councils, governments, and communities to establish Nature Refuge Covenants, securing over 18,209 hectares (approximately 45,000 acres) of land. Through our Benella Nursery, we propagate more than 20,000 seedlings annually, contributing to the reforestation of 68 acres in the Daintree region. These efforts have resulted in the storage of over 2 million tonnes of carbon and an investment exceeding $7 million into rainforest restoration.
RCF is uniquely positioned to address the challenges facing the Wet Tropics due to our longstanding presence, local partnerships, and commitment to innovative conservation strategies. Our current priorities include expanding large-scale restoration projects, enhancing community education programs, and securing additional land for protection. Funding will directly support these initiatives, enabling us to increase our impact and ensure the longevity of these vital ecosystems.
Project Summary
Right now, vital rainforest ecosystems are being lost to deforestation, development, and degradation—but we have a chance to turn the tide. The Rainforest Conservation Foundation is working to purchase and restore 100 hectares of deforested land—an area roughly the size of 185 football fields—bringing native trees, wildlife, and biodiversity back to life. You can help make this happen.
For every $15,000 donated, we can secure and begin restoring one hectare of rainforest. That land will be permanently protected, reforested with native species, and carefully managed to become a thriving, resilient ecosystem once again. This isn’t just land—it’s habitat for endangered animals, it’s carbon storage for a warming planet, and it’s hope for a healthier future.
Imagine standing on land that was once barren but is now teeming with life because you chose to make a difference. Every hectare we restore is a powerful act of healing, not just for the rainforest, but for all of us who depend on it—for clean air, a stable climate, and the natural beauty that connects us to the Earth.
Whether you can contribute part of a hectare or fund an entire one, your donation directly brings the rainforest back to life. This is tangible impact—measurable, lasting, and deeply needed.
Please donate today. Let’s reclaim 100 hectares of lost rainforest and restore it to the vibrant, living ecosystem it was always meant to be.
Project Outcomes
The Rainforest Conservation Foundation (RCF) is initiating a $1.5 million project to purchase and reforest 100 hectares in the Wet Tropics of Far North Queensland, a region recognised as one of the world's 35 global biodiversity hotspots .
Objectives:
- Biodiverse Reforestation: Implement biodiverse planting to restore native vegetation, enhancing habitat connectivity and ecosystem resilience.
- Innovation: Increase the scale and quality of reforestation using technology, indigenous knowledge and expert advice on innovative planting processes. The current rate of biodiverse reforestation is far exceeded by the deforestation.
- Endangered Species Habitat: Provide critical habitat for the endangered Southern Cassowary, a keystone species vital for seed dispersal and rainforest regeneration.
- Water Quality Improvement: Enhance water management to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff, contributing to the health of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
- Carbon Abatement: Sequester carbon through reforestation, aiding in climate change mitigation efforts.
Measuring Success:
- Successful acquisition and legal protection of the 100-hectare site.
- Completion of biodiverse planting with native endemic species.
- Monitoring of increased cassowary presence and other native fauna and flora.
- Assessment of improved water quality indicators in adjacent waterways.
- Quantification of carbon sequestration rates over time.
Through this project, RCF aims to restore vital rainforest ecosystems, support endangered species, improve water quality, and contribute to global carbon reduction efforts.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $1,500,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funding Gap | $1,500,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Land purchase in the Wet Tropics of Far North Queensland | $1,500,000 |
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