Cloud Forest (lot 30) Land Restoration Project

Cloud Forest (lot 30) Land Restoration Project is a permanent environmental planting project located on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland. The site is situated approximately 10 kilometers south of the town of Malanda, near the locality of Jaggan. Registered in October 2025, the project covers 76 hectares of land in a region renowned for its high-value agricultural output, specifically dairying and grazing, as well as its significant biodiversity value within the Wet Tropics.

The project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings-FullCAM (2024) methodology. This method credits landholders for establishing new forest cover using native species on land that was previously cleared (typically for at least five years). The "FullCAM" designation indicates that carbon abatement is calculated using the Australian Government's Full Carbon Accounting Model software rather than direct physical measurement of trees. To meet the definition of a forest under this scheme, the planting must be established at a density sufficient to reach at least 20% crown cover and a height of 2 meters.

Environmentally, the project area benefits from the distinct conditions of the Tablelands, high tropical rainfall and fertile basaltic (volcanic) soils. These conditions support rapid tree growth and high carbon sequestration rates compared to drier regions. The "Cloud Forest" name suggests the site may sit at a higher elevation prone to mist, mimicking the unique high-altitude rainforest ecosystems found in the area. The project activities focus on establishing a mix of native trees and shrubs specifically chosen to replicate the structure of the local vegetation community, enhancing both carbon storage and local habitat connectivity.