Australia’s newest rainforest charity Rainforest 4 to focus on wildlife, climate, people and planet.

There’s a new kid on the block for rainforest conservation in Australia and abroad. Rainforest 4, which launched in November 2018 will focus on protecting and restoring the Earth’s rainforests.

Australia’s newest rainforest charity Rainforest 4 to focus on wildlife, climate, people and planet.

There’s a new kid on the block for rainforest conservation in Australia and abroad. R4, which launched in November 2018 will focus on protecting and restoring the Earth’s rainforests.

We know that rainforests provide habitat for more than half of the world’s species. They regulate weather patterns, sequester carbon from the atmosphere and provide us with vital ecosystem services. All of humanity depends on rainforests, whether they live in close proximity or not.

Kelvin Davies, Rainforest 4 Founder said the organisation will focus on delivering tangible outcomes – not just for rainforests but for wildlife, climate, people and planet.

“Our vision is to protect and restore the world’s rainforests,” Kelvin said.

“We’ll do this by purchasing rainforest land, creating new protected areas, stopping and reversing the impacts of development and restoring rainforest ecosystems that have been damaged in the past.”

While the organisation has been busy defining its mission and values as well as its strategies for partnerships and conservation, Kelvin has also been focusing on collaboration.

“We know that by working together we can make the world a better place, so building and maintaining relationships are at the centre of everything we do,” he said.

“We’d love to hear from people and organisations who share our vision.”

In Australia, Rainforest 4 will focus its work in the Daintree where rainforests are constantly under threat from development.

“We’re working with local residents to ensure that the Daintree is protected from the ongoing threat of development,” Kelvin said. “And to help wind back the impact of development that’s already occurred.”

The exciting news is that Australians will be able to contribute to all of the organisation’s programs. Rainforest 4 Foundation is already registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission and with the Australian Government as a Company Limited by Guarantee (a non-profit organisation).

“Rainforest 4 Foundation is based in the northern NSW town of Mullumbimby where we are committed to working with likeminded organisations,” Kelvin said.

Known as the Biggest Little Town in Australia, Mullumbimby is a hive of community activity, much of it built around Mullum Seed, a local not-for-profit volunteer-based charity. Mullum Seed is building a respectful, supportive and resilient community based on sustainability and environmental awareness. Rainforest 4 Foundation is a member of Mullum Seed and is partnering with the organisation to invest in rainforest protection and restoration activities.

“Mullum Seed already manage the Bunya Sustainability Fund, which they use to support a heap of other community initiatives,” Kelvin said. “It makes sense to work collaboratively with them to continue to do that for rainforest projects.”

“They’re now investing in chemical free bush regeneration activities, dune care, renewable energy, alternative building techniques, soil health and carbon farming, waste minimisation, youth empowerment and now the work of the Rainforest 4 Foundation,” he said.

The Bunya Sustainability Fund is listed on the Register of Environmental Organisations under item 6.1.1 of subsection 30-55(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible and receipts will be issued.

Here are the ways you can make a tax-deductible donation into the Bunya Sustainability Fund and preference supporting the work of Rainforest 4 Foundation.

Photo: Rainforest 4 founder Kelvin Davies in the Daintree Lowland Rainforest. Credit: Dave Pinson/Daintree Life