Bushfire recovery takes root in support of affected landholders and island biodiversity

News article | 19 September 2023

More than 16,000 seedlings have been grown and planted across fire-affected areas on Kangaroo Island in the last 12 months through a vital program supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the KI Native Plant Nursery.

Bushfire recovery takes root in support of affected landholders and island biodiversity

The Nursery, run by the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board (KILB), has been busy growing 16,137 native plants over the past year to assist with the restoration of windbreaks and shelterbelts, providing critical habitat for threatened species such as the glossy black-cockatoo and KI dunnart on properties affected by the 2019-20 fires.

Jo Sullivan, KILB’s Sustainable Landscapes Manager, said the plants have been provided free of charge to 34 land owners along with stakes and guards when needed.

“They have been grown with funding kindly provided by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation,” Mr Sullivan said. “Land owners receiving these plants have since undertaken the mighty effort of getting these plants into the ground and now look forward to watching them grow.”

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has been instrumental in supporting the KILB to assist bushfire-affected landholders to recover from the 2019-20 bushfires through a generous donation of $225,000 delivered over six years. Three years in, this funding has resulted in a total of 43,000 plants being provided to bushfire-affected landholders.

The mission of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is to protect and progress planetary health for present and future generations. Since 2006 it has sought to bring together scientists, political leaders and economic and civil society stakeholders behind a vital objective for our future – protecting the ocean and the land.

The Foundation’s long-term action has led to some encouraging victories being won, whether in safeguarding endangered species or improving living conditions in rural communities by implementing new sustainable and ethical solutions.

Mr Sullivan said the KILB is “delighted to be working with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and KI land owners to deliver this important work”.

“It will have positive and long-term benefits for fire affected land owners and the island’s unique biodiversity,” he said.

More free plants will be made available to bushfire-affected landholders in the 2024 planting season but orders must be placed by 29 September 2023. To place your order please contact Jo McPhee, Nursery Manager, on 0437 322 692.