The Intrepid Foundation, the not-for-profit entity of Intrepid Travel, has announced Rainforest Rescue, a not-for-profit that has been protecting and restoring rainforests since 1999, as its latest partner in Australia. This new partnership will focus on safeguarding the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s most ancient and Australia’s most ecologically significant rainforests.
Renowned for its rich biodiversity, the Daintree Rainforest is the world’s oldest continuously evolving rainforest and is Australia’s largest and most biodiverse, holding deep cultural and spiritual significance for its traditional custodians, the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people. Located in tropical North Queensland, the ancient forest is home to unique and endangered species including the Southern Cassowary, the Spectacled Flying-fox and Bennett’s Tree Kangaroo, as well as several ancient and primitive flowering plants.
Despite its environmental and cultural importance, the rainforest faces ongoing threats from residential and agricultural development, which lead to habitat fragmentation, wildlife displacement, and the spread of invasive species.
To help mitigate these challenges, the Intrepid Foundation has joined forces with Rainforest Rescue to grow and plant more trees than ever before to rebuilding these vital wildlife corridors, sequester carbon, and reduce sedimentation to the waterways and Reef; also contributing towards the goal of forever protection of the highest level of threatened precious rainforest in the organisation’s history.
Brett Mitchell, Managing Director ANZ at Intrepid Travel says, “anyone who has had the privilege of visiting the Daintree knows just how crucial it is that we protect and conserve this unique and ancient rainforest. Intrepid is proud to be partnering with Rainforest Rescue to continue its important conservation work and to realise its vision to protect rainforests forever.”
Branden Barber, Rainforest Rescue’s CEO, shared that, “The Daintree is the most profound example of rainforest on the planet. The opportunity to protect what’s left, yet is still unprotected, and to restore land that was once part of the forest but was cleared, ensures that this unique and essential habitat continues to exist. This supports not only the rare and threatened species of this ancient wonderland, but is a primary destination for tourism in the region. There is nothing like the Daintree.”
This partnership represents a significant extension of Intrepid’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability in the region after it acquired the Daintree Ecolodge in August last year. The 15-room, four-star boutique rainforest retreat is dedicated to providing eco-conscious travel experiences while supporting local conservation initiatives.“Tropical North Queensland is a key region for Australia’s tourism industry, and offers travellers the unique opportunity to experience nature, culture, and the classic Queensland charm.
“We’re committed to strengthening our relationships with the local community and bringing more travellers to experience the very best that this iconic destination has to offer.”
