Since 2016, certified social enterprise Natura Pacific and Yarrabilba have embarked on an extraordinary conservation project in southeast Queensland, pioneering a unique approach to native seed preservation and plant propagation. This initiative not only champions biodiversity but also fosters rehabilitation and native plant education and employment within correctional facilities, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the community.

Seed to sapling: A collaborative effort in conservation

The collaboration saves native seeds from development areas and grows them into young plants for conservation areas. After collecting the seeds, the Natura Pacific team sorts them and removes the husks and debris to prepare them for planting. Subsequently, the seeds are transported to three correctional centres. At these facilities, a specialised team, along with incarcerated individuals who’ve learnt how to grow native plants through training, turn the seeds into young plants which are then planted in conservation areas, in partnership with schools, local councils and other industry groups.

Rooted in shared values

Yarrabilba and Natura Pacific wanted to look further than the traditional plant stock procurement methods and provide amazing outcomes through shared values around engagement, education, outreach, and biodiversity improvement. What began as a single prison initiative at Borallon has flourished into a multi-faceted endeavour, involving three prisons and the Queensland State Government Threatened Species Management Unit.

Delivering social and environmental impact

To date, over 7 million seeds from 136 species have been preserved, resulting in the planting of over 43,000 plants across 54 locations. This achievement is made possible by a dedicated team comprising 11 environmental scientists, 20 university interns, and 25 people who have been incarcerated across the region. Moreover, the project has led to the construction and installation of wildlife nest boxes, contributing significantly to wildlife habitat preservation.

The project's commitment to education and engagement extends beyond correctional facilities. A publicly available action hub serves as a valuable resource, offering insights into the project's progress and fostering community involvement. Additionally, the production of ‘Back from the Brink’ documentaries and podcasts sheds light on threatened species, garnering public support and awareness.

“It has been so rewarding having the buy-in from the Yarrabilba team. It makes doing good things so much easier when you have a whole team of amazing people supporting each other.”- Kieran Richardt, Director, Natura Pacific.

The collaboration is making a profound social and environmental impact. The project's impact, measured in millions of preserved seeds, thousands of planted native plants, education and employment for people who have been incarcerated and the creation of wildlife habitat, is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared values. The initiative's educational outreach and community engagement efforts have ignited a broader awareness and understanding of threatened species, leaving a lasting mark on the landscape of environmental stewardship.