Daintree land buyback Pristine rainforest property to expand Cape Kimberley wildlife corridor

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| Nick Dalton

Shire

AN untouched 18ha section of the Daintree rainforest has been ‘rescued’ in a partnership between Rainforest Rescue and a leading botanical and sustainably driven hair-care brand Klorane and its botanical foundation.

They have acquired Licuala Rainforest Refuge (lot 41), described as “a richly biodiverse 18ha property within the Cape Kimberley wildlife corridor in the World-Heritage Daintree rainforest”.

Rainforest Rescue chief executive officer Branden Barber said lot 41, bought for more than $500,000, was “an exceptional example of pristine Daintree Rainforest, and its rescue has been the most substantial and significant rescue for Rainforest Rescue and their partners, doubling the size of the Cape Kimberley wildlife corridor, which further enhances the protection of biodiversity in the region”.

The 18ha area has doubled the size of the wildlife corridor where southern cassowaries and Bennett’s tree kangaroos are regularly seen.

“Partnerships extend our reach and our capacity to protect and restore rainforests,” he said.

“When you find value alignment in a partner that brings financial energy to get the job done, that’s a rare and wonderful thing. “We are grateful that Klorane and the Klorane Botanical Foundation find inspiring value in what Rainforest Rescue does.

“This partnership protects precious and ancient rainforest habitat and supports the propagation of diverse Daintree seedlings.

“This partnership, as an example, gives me hope for the future. In practice, it’s powerful.”

Klorane Australia chief execu- tive officer Laurent Saffre said the brand was happy with the acquisition.

“We are so pleased to continue our partnership with Rainforest Rescue in 2023 and support the amazing work they undertake to restore the Daintree rainforest,” he said.

“Around the world, the Klorane brand joins forces with the Klorane Botanical Founda- tion (KBF) to protect endangered plant species and preserve natural ecosystems. We are delighted to bring these conservation efforts to Australia to help protect the unique biodiversity of this land.”

Last year Klorane became a platinum tier partner with Rainforest Rescue by investing in the growing of 50,000 trees in their new native nursery. Klorane’s commitment to sus- tainability and environmental preservation includes their product line which features naturally sourced raw materials that not only benefit hair but also the environment, such as Cupuaçu, Aquatic Mint, and Flaxseed. Additionally, the brand cultivates their own plants to obtain plant-based ingredients and partners with suppliers who follow strict environmental standards.