Greening Australia and Canopy Nature Based Solutions: National Reforestation Program 2024

Greening Australia and Canopy Nature Based Solutions: National Reforestation Program 2024 is a large-scale, aggregated environmental planting project operated by Canopy Nature Based Solutions Pty Ltd (a subsidiary of Greening Australia). Registered on March 11, 2024, the project initially covered approximately 2,781 hectares, though a variation in January 2025 saw the removal of some land areas from the project scope. Unlike single-site projects, this "National Reforestation Program" operates as an aggregation, bundling multiple distinct properties across New South Wales and Victoria into a single carbon project to achieve economies of scale.

The project locations are geographically diverse, spanning over 1,000 kilometers from the subtropics to the cool temperate zones. Key sites include the Northern Rivers region of NSW (near Mullumbimby), the New England Tablelands (near Armidale), and the Central Tablelands (near Oberon). In Victoria, the project holds significant parcels in the Gippsland region, specifically near Foster in South Gippsland and stretching north towards Sale, Tambo Crossing, and the alpine plains of Benambra. These regions are predominantly utilized for livestock grazing (beef and dairy) and forestry operations.

This project utilizes the "Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings" methodology. This involves establishing permanent plantings of mixed native tree species on land that has been clear of forest cover and used for agriculture for at least five years. The goal is to achieve forest cover (typically at least 20% crown cover and 2 meters in height) to sequester carbon in the trees' biomass. As an environmental planting, the vegetation is protected and not intended for harvest, distinguishing it from commercial forestry.

Due to the vast spread of the project sites, the environmental conditions vary significantly. The Northern Rivers sites experience high rainfall and subtropical conditions with rich volcanic soils, whereas the Benambra and Oberon sites are situated in high-altitude, cool-temperate zones with granite-derived soils and distinct winter frosts. The Gippsland sites generally benefit from reliable rainfall and productive clay-loam soils suitable for high-density vegetation.

An interesting aspect of this project is its proponent structure; Canopy Nature Based Solutions acts as the commercial arm of the non-profit Greening Australia, leveraging private investment to fund conservation outcomes. This model allows landholders to participate in carbon markets without bearing the full administrative burden of registering a standalone project.