Gondwana Rainforest Refuges, a program of Gondwana Rainforest Trust, is on a mission to preserve Australia's rainforest biodiversity and support the protection of threatened species, through the establishment of a well-connected and integrated system of rainforest protected areas.
This network includes reserves either owned by GRT or an affiliated registered charity partner. This program ensures the protection of important examples of natural rainforest landscapes and native plants and animals for future generations.
Current Projects
Purchased Properties
Protected areas
The IUCN defines a protected area as: a clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. Based on a scientific framework, the refuge system is designed to provide a natural safety net against our biggest environmental challenges.
In order to ensure best practice and preserve the integrity of the Gondwana Rainforest Refuges program, there are a set of minimum standards that properties must meet to be included in Gondwana Rainforest Trust’s Rainforest Refuges System:
- The land must be designated a 'protected area' to be conserved forever, with effective legal means guaranteeing its perpetual conservation.
- The land must be managed to protect and maintain biological diversity, according to one of six international classes developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The six-level system classifies protected areas according to their management objectives, which range from strict nature conservation to multi-use reserves (objectives must not be inconsistent with the primary purpose which is biodiversity conservation). We ensure all properties purchased under this program are effectively and equitably managed in the context of the wider public reserve system.
How is this achieved?
We will work with partners, including Traditional Owners, government agencies, local councils and other not for profit organisations to develop our rainforest refuges system and achieve our conservation goals. A key outcome of the program is to protect rainforests that have environmentally and culturally compatible spiritual, scientific research, educational, recreational and visitor opportunities.
Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
The Gondwana Rainforest Refuges program is contributing to several UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Read more about the UN Sustainable development goals here.
Australian Charity Registration
Gondwana Rainforest Refuges is a program of Gondwana Rainforest Trust. Gondwana Rainforest Trust (ABN 49 628 358 323) is a non-profit organisation registered with the Australian Government as a Company Limited by Guarantee and with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission.
