DEA welcomes the announcement of global plans to reverse deforestation. As well as being a key part of fighting climate change, our forests are vital to our health and well-being.
They help improve air and water quality, help stabilise soil and prevent flooding, help maintain the water cycle, provide habitat for pollinators and other species, and are a rich source of food and bioactive compounds for medicines.
Spending time in forests can also improve our physical and mental health.
We urge the Morrison government to support global initiatives to protect our environment, including the Global Biodiversity Framework to conserve 30% of the Earth’s land and sea by 2030.
Furthermore, we need the government to improve protections for Australian forests and native vegetation by fully implementing recommendations made by the recent Samuel review of Australia’s nature laws, the EPBC Act.
Read our fact sheets