Introduction

Australia is known for its diverse flora and fauna, and the government and private organizations constantly work towards preserving the environment. One such effort is the plantation of trees, which not only beautify the surroundings but also help in regulating the climate. In this article, we explore how many trees are planted each year in Australia.

The National Tree Planting Day

The National Tree Planting Day is celebrated in Australia every year. This day is dedicated to planting and conserving trees and is celebrated on the last Sunday of July. In 2021, the National Tree Planting Day was on the 1st of August due to COVID-19 restrictions. During this day, numerous individuals and organizations plant trees across the country.

Forestation and Reforestation in Australia

A report by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences states that 70,000 hectares of forest are cleared in Australia each year. The government is conscious of this, and several efforts are made to ensure that deforested areas are converted back into forests through reforestation activities like planting trees. The report suggests that the government will continue to plant 400 million trees each year to maintain the forests in Australia.

Greening Australia's Projects

Greening Australia, a non-profit environmental organization, has been creating and managing programs for afforestation, restoration, and protection. According to their website, they have planted over 39 million trees, shrubs, and understory plants in projects to enhance the environment, agricultural production, and build the resilience of our landscapes. They target degraded lands for their planting projects and focus on native species, including eucalypts and wattles.

The 20 Million Trees Programme

The 20 Million Trees Programme is an Australian Government initiative to plant 20 million trees by 2020. This initiative is targeted to address environmental challenges such as land degradation, biodiversity decline, and climate change impacts. The objective of this programme is to deliver up to 20 million trees to farmers, land managers, and other eligible groups for planting projects over six years from 2014 to 2020.

Conclusion

There are several efforts by the government and non-profit organizations to maintain and increase the number of trees in Australia. The National Tree Planting Day, Greening Australia's projects, and the 20 Million Trees Programme are some of the initiatives that have helped improve the situation. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact number of trees planted each year in Australia, we can say that there is a concerted effort to ensure that the environment is preserved for future generations.