Tanbar Native Forest Protection Project

Tanbar Native Forest Protection Project is an Avoided Deforestation project located in the Cobar Shire, approximately 50km northeast of the township of Cobar in New South Wales. Registered in June 2015, the project covers a substantial area of 13,122 hectares on land traditionally used for grazing. The region falls within the semi-arid zone of Western NSW, characterized by red earth soils and vegetation dominated by mulga (Acacia aneura) and bimble box woodlands.

The project operates under the Avoided Deforestation 1.1 methodology, which targets native forests that have a history of agricultural management. To be eligible, the landholder must hold a valid clearing consent issued before 1 July 2010, which would have allowed them to clear the forest for cropland or grassland. By voluntarily surrendering this permit and protecting the forest instead, the project generates Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) based on the emissions prevented from the theoretical clearing event.

An interesting aspect of the Tanbar project is its integration with sustainable land management practices. Reports indicate the landholder, Garry Robb, has utilized carbon revenue to invest in "NextGen" fencing and natural weirs to improve water distribution across floodplains, allowing for reduced stocking densities and the rehabilitation of local ecosystems. The project proponent is Terra Carbon Pty Limited, and the generated credits have been active in the market, with some being retired for events such as the Australian Tourism Exchange to offset travel emissions.