Carbon Offsetting through Reforestation of the Rainforest in Far North Queensland - Eco Shamba an Environmental Initiative - Reforestation of The Rainforest
ECO SHAMBA Tree Farm was
established in August 2009 as an environmental
initiative. The location of suitable, high productive
land was searched for. The investment and long term
commitment was established on 27 Hectares (68 acres) of
land, ex cane paddocks close to Port Douglas, adjacent
to World Heritage Rainforest and boarding Crees Creek.
The seasonal creek has high output flowing into the
coastal waters with close proximity to the Great
Barrier Reef. Port Douglas is a high profile tourist
destination. The 2 world heritage listed areas of
rainforest and reef is also known as the gateway to the
Great Barrier Reef.
The land was identified as being ideally suited for
permanent rainforest reforestation and Bio Sequestration
and to introduce a proven
sustainable forestry modelling to international
standards. The land site was professionally evaluated by
Australia Farm Forestry Pty Ltd, a company
based on the Sunshine Coast with extensive local
knowledge and intensive work was undertaken on the site
including actual planting of Stage 1. This
permanent rainforest reforestation is enhancing the
exiting unspoilt natural habitat.
Due to the significant amount of water available from catchment
and from the adjacent slopes of WHA, a dam was
constructed as an irrigation
reservoir and improvements to biodiversity of
habitat and prevention of current erosion. All
materials used in the professional earthworks
were utilised or relocated from the site i.e. clay to
complete the waterproof lining of the dam.
A master plan for zoning of the ECO SHAMBA site
is in place for long term investment in permanent
rainforest reforestation, enhancement from existing
indigenous rainforest on the site over ex-cane paddocks,
improvement of habitat with biodiversity of planting and
attraction of bird life to dam areas.
Carbon Offsetting has been established through
proven models of Bio Sequestration with Environmental
Scientists, Foresters and Botanists actively assisting
with Stage 1 planting. Stage 1 permanent rainforest
reforestation provides carbon offsetting for a local
Advanced ECO Tourism business and the first Climate
Action Leader on the GBR. Their core activity is sailing to
the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling with reef and
environmental interpretation at the iconic Low Isles.
Further opportunities for Bio
Sequestration carbon offsetting with
ECO SHAMBA through local
reforestation adjacent to the GBR
are available. ECO SHAMBA welcomes
appropriate environmentally aware
businesses within the GBR to return
a positive outcome into the local
environment and support
reforestation initiatives. Please
email expression of interest
for a quick response
steve@ecoshamba.com
The above was Authored
by: Christopher Deane M.Sc.B.Sc.Dip.Ed /
CEO Australian Farm Forestry Pty Ltd
ECO SHAMBA
Environmental Scientist and Botanical
Consultants
Eco Shamba - What’s in a name...
Eco word used to reflect the focus on
Environmental Initiatives and the word
Shamba from Kiswahili, East African language
means ‘farm, field or plantation, usually
recognised to be the closest thing to a
person after their family. A Shamba is also
is a sustainable and mostly self sufficient
provider, efficiently and personally
nurtured with minimal waste, often the
centre and livelihood for a family requiring
long term commitment and attention.
