Major Reforestation Project Launched on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula

Restoring Native Woodlands and Generating Carbon Credits

A substantial reforestation effort has commenced on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, with global restoration company Land Life and Carbon2Nature Australia (C2N), the local arm of Iberdrola Group's nature restoration business, launching a 688-hectare (1,700-acre) project at Talia Station. This collaborative initiative, also involving local partner Cassinia Environmental, focuses on restoring native woodlands and generating high-integrity Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs).

The project's primary ecological goal is the restoration of the critically endangered Drooping Sheoak grassy woodland, an ecosystem that has seen over 95% of its presence cleared across the Eyre Peninsula. This restoration is vital for rebuilding ecological resilience and supporting threatened species.

Environmental and Carbon Outcomes

The Talia project is designed to deliver significant environmental benefits and contribute to Australia's climate goals. Key outcomes include:

• Carbon Sequestration: The project is projected to generate approximately 114,000 ACCUs over its 25-year crediting period, with a substantially greater lifetime carbon removal due to its 100-year duration.
• Biodiversity Enhancement: More than 32 native tree and shrub species characteristic of the Drooping Sheoak Grassy Woodland ecological community will be planted. This will create vital biolinks for vulnerable and threatened species, including Australian mammals like bandicoots, wombats, and bettongs, and native bird species such as the Diamond Firetail. The site, positioned next to Kulliparu National Park, will reconnect fragmented habitats and support ecological corridors.
• Long-term Protection: The restored land will be permanently protected through an in-perpetuity Heritage Agreement, ensuring its conservation indefinitely.

Tracey Russell, General Manager of Carbon2Nature Australia, emphasized the 'stringent due diligence' applied to the project, noting that the partners are establishing a biodiversity baseline using the Accounting for Nature framework. Tim Ferraro, Land Life's APAC Regional Director, highlighted the initiative as a model for 'real, lasting restoration' as Australia develops its Nature Repair Market.

Cultural Engagement and Economic Benefits

Beyond its ecological and carbon objectives, the project holds significant cultural importance. Land Life and Cassinia Environmental have collaborated with the Wirangu and Nauo Aboriginal Corporation to integrate Traditional Owner priorities into the project's design and management. This includes incorporating cultural burning practices, supported by the Firesticks Alliance, and fostering knowledge exchange.

The initiative supports cultural reconnection for the Wirangu and Nauo First Peoples, who are re-accessing this land for the first time since colonization in the 1850s. It also aims to create opportunities for local employment and participation in restoration efforts, strengthening community ties.

Australia's Growing Role in Nature-Based Solutions

This project marks a significant step for both Land Life and Carbon2Nature Australia, representing their first collaboration under Australia's ACCU program. Australia is increasingly recognized as a global leader in nature-based climate solutions, driven by a new 2035 emissions reduction target and growing investor confidence in the ACCU scheme and the emerging Nature Repair Market.