Cassowary Credits
Cassowary Credits is an innovative biodiversity credit scheme, leading the way globally. Its primary goal is to incentivise investment from both private and public sectors into vital biodiversity projects within the Wet Tropics.
The Wet Tropics is the world's oldest rainforest and has two interconnected World Heritage Areas. This globally significant and recognised region is vital for habitat, rainwater, environmental flows, and carbon sequestration. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is the world's second most irreplaceable World Heritage location and one of the world's most biodiverse regions.
With Cassowary Credits we aim to deliver environmental benefits that protect our Wet Tropics, as well as enhance the economic and social benefits to regional communities and Rainforest Aboriginal people.
Protecting Our Unique Tropical Rainforest: A Solution to Increasing Pressure
The Wet Tropics has already suffered from the impacts of climate change, development, and biosecurity risks over the last twenty years.
As our climate warms, the mountain tops of the World Heritage Area are already under significant stress. Eighty plant species are considered highly threatened, and we have established thirty insurance populations to help them survive.
“What we’ve found as managers of this region over 20 years, is that the investment in managing both the World Heritage area and the area around it has dropped in real value. But the investment that is required to create climate resilience for this region is a hundred, if not a thousand, times more than what is provided.
So that’s the reason why Cassowary Credits is needed to bring other investment vehicles to the Wet Tropics.”
Sarah Hoyal, Biodiversity and Climate Strategy Leader, Terrain NRM
Cassowary Credits: A nature-positive financial investment tool
The Cassowary Credits offer long-term benefits to landowners, the Rainforest Aboriginal People, and investors due to its high integrity and enduring outcomes.
Terrain NRM works with landowners to carry out restoration activities. Once the project is set up, it is maintained and monitored to ensure that it delivers reliable outcomes. The environmental impact or benefit is then independently verified, giving investors confidence in the return that the credits deliver.
“Cassowary Credits offer a distinctive financial mechanism for investors, providing a way to unitise the results of our biodiversity projects. This comes at a time when businesses, investors, and funds are seeking dependable and meaningful nature-positive outcomes.
With the strong governance of our region, investors can have confidence that the environmental outcomes they seek are delivered with Cassowary Credits.”
Bronwyn Robertson, Biodiversity and Climate Project Leader – Terrain NRM
*Disclaimer: This case study showcases an innovative approach in Cairns’ Smart Green Economy. While this project is not owned by Cairns Regional Council, and the presentation of this case study does not imply Council endorsement, it is our aim to highlight some of the exciting initiatives in our region and inspire positive change within our community.