Tanbar Native Forest Protection Project

Tanbar Native Forest Protection Project is an Avoided deforestation project located approximately 50km north-northeast of Cobar in western New South Wales. It was registered in June 2015 and covers a project area of 13,122.32 hectares.

Avoided deforestation projects involve protecting native forests that would otherwise be cleared for agricultural purposes. A standard requirement for this methodology is that the land must have been issued a valid clearing consent permit prior to 1 July 2010. By preventing the land from being deforested and converted to an agricultural system, the project avoids significant greenhouse gas emissions.

The semi-arid Cobar region is typically known for sheep and cattle grazing, alongside active mining operations. The area is characterised by low annual rainfall (usually 200-400mm), and the typical soil profiles generally consist of red earths, sandy loams, and clay loams.

The project proponent is Terra Carbon Pty Limited, which serves as a holding company for the environmental market developer GreenCollar. The project has helped the landowner, Garry Robb, reduce his reliance on agricultural commodity markets by providing an alternative cash flow that allows him to reduce stock numbers and avoid degrading the land. Through the carbon project, environmentally sensitive riverine areas have been fenced off, and substantial investments have been made into property infrastructure, including "NextGen" digital fencing, local earthworks, and firebreaks. The project guarantees the protection of the native forest for a permanence period of 100 years.