14 million hectares burned. Nearly 3 billion native animals impacted. Entire communities all but destroyed.
We have a plan to defend what remains.
Our forests and native habitats are at breaking point, torn apart by a legacy of development & land-clearing, and devastated by the catastrophic 2019-20 bushfires.
But all is not lost. Today we are launching a new flagship partnership with WWF-Australia to build legal defences around some of Australia’s most vulnerable ecosystems.
The partnership comes off the back of the pivotal Defending the Unburnt report from the scientific team at WWF, which has identified six key wildlife habitats on the east coast for immediate protection.
These areas, decimated by the 2019-20 bushfires, are home to at least 83 threatened plant and animal species including koalas, platypuses, greater gliders, quolls and lyrebirds.
Almost 2.5 million hectares of this key habitat was lost to bushfires. We cannot afford to lose a hectare more.
Our team of environmental law experts will work with WWF, local communities, and decision-makers across the country to secure stronger legal protection for these areas to defend the Unburnt Six and the wildlife that calls them home.
Our forests have changed forever, so should our laws.
The 2019-20 bushfires were unprecedented – their effect on our landscapes profound.
Our current laws do not reflect the realities of this disaster and must change to ensure our vulnerable ecosystems and iconic species are protected into the future. We will fight to make sure they do.
EDO has the strength and expertise to shape and enforce Australia’s environmental laws.
The laws governing land-use and forestry are complex and specialised, requiring expert legal guidance to navigate.
Rather than focussing on litigation, this landmark initiative will push for greater legal protection for the Unburnt Six by advocating for stronger laws, policies and processes that properly take into account the impact of the 2019-20 bushfires.
And we will be pushing governments across the country to use the full power of their existing laws to protect these vulnerable habitats.
Find out more about how you can help Defend the Unburnt Six on WWF’s project page.
Local communities – Crucial defenders of the Unburnt Six
We stand with survivors and the communities that were most affected by the devastating 2019-20 bushfires, and are committed to empowering them to use the law to protect their local ecosystems and vulnerable species.
As part of this initiative we will be working on-the-ground and online with local communities to ensure they have the legal power they need to defend vital habitats in their areas.
We will work closely with community groups and landholders across multiple jurisdictions to help them understand and utilise existing legal mechanisms to protect the unburnt.
And we will develop digital legal resources and tools to empower communities everywhere in the protection of the areas and wildlife they love.
Stay up-to-date on the fight for the Unburnt Six
EDO is at the forefront of the legal fight to defend the Unburnt Six and other vulnerable ecosystems across the country.
Sign up now for critical updates on our legal mission to protect the places, wildlife, and communities we love.
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