The Habitat Positive Vision
Taronga Habitat Positive is a visionary landscape restoration initiative, prioritising some of Australia’s most threatened species and ecosystems.
Underpinned by science, powered by world-leading global conservation expertise and using cutting-edge technology. It is climate resilient by design, and delivered in collaboration with First Nations Peoples and local communities.
Situation Critical
Australia has the highest known rates of recent species extinction and is the only developed nation known as a deforestation hotspot.
Restoring biodiversity continues to be one of the biggest and most urgent issues facing our planet.
Sanctuary One
Taronga is establishing Sanctuary One on the Northwest Slopes of NSW across 3050 hectares of land which will become one of the largest Box-gum Woodland rewilding sites in Australia. Up to one million seedlings will be planted on the site to restore natural wildlife corridors, re-establishing critically endangered Box-Gum Woodlands and becoming a safe haven for up to 36 threatened Aussie species including Koalas.
The site comprises two adjoining properties, with a combination of cleared land and remnant native vegetation offering high potential for ecological restoration. The location on the Northwest Slopes was carefully selected, offering long-term climate resilience, with the region projected to experience relatively low changes in rainfall and temperature.
Holistic Restoration Model
A 360-degree model which brings together conservation science, community and experienced commercial acumen to create lasting outcomes that will contribute to a nature positive future (as per the Nature Positive Initiative.)
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Protection of threatened and iconic species
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Science led ecosystem Restoration
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Delivering high integrity and high quality ACCUs
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Creating benefits for biodiversity and community
The Largest Box-gum Woodlands Regeneration Project in Australia
Regenerating, revegetating and rewilding 3,000 hectares of cleared land in the Northern Tablelands of NSW is stage one of our journey. This is just the beginning of tangible change.
Community
Habitat Positive is committed to working with First Nations Peoples and local communities, embedding upfront a way of working that is respectful and inclusive, guided by our steering committee that includes a First Nations Person.
Seed
Climate adjusted seed research integrated into seed sourcing for biodiverse plantings, in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience.
Science
Advanced climate and conservation science modelling and mapping is informing the prioritisation and selection of sanctuary sites.
Species
The creation and protection of sanctuaries, enhancing connectivity in the landscape and natural ecosystem function.
Stewardship
More than planting trees, Habitat Positive sanctuaries will be protected, carefully monitored and actively managed across decades.
Scale
Our ambition is to scale Habitat Positive to help create nature positive outcomes for a variety of Australian threatened species and ecosystems.
Community
Habitat Positive is committed to working with First Nations Peoples and local communities, embedding upfront a way of working that is respectful and inclusive, guided by our steering committee that includes a First Nations Person.
Seed
Climate adjusted seed research integrated into seed sourcing for biodiverse plantings, in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience.
Science
Advanced climate and conservation science modelling and mapping is informing the prioritisation and selection of sanctuary sites.
Species
The creation and protection of sanctuaries, enhancing connectivity in the landscape and natural ecosystem function.
Stewardship
More than planting trees, Habitat Positive sanctuaries will be protected, carefully monitored and actively managed across decades.
Scale
Our ambition is to scale Habitat Positive to help create nature positive outcomes for a variety of Australian threatened species and ecosystems.
Delivered by Leaders in Conservation and Innovation
Habitat Positive is delivered by Taronga Conservation Society Australia - a multifaceted not-for-profit powerhouse.
Our conservation efforts are underpinned by a visionary mindset and expertise spanning over a century.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Taronga manages 23 threatened species recovery programs and prevented the extinction of 7 species that would have been extinct if not for Taronga’s intervention.
Breed for Release
Taronga aims to build populations and create sustainable, high integrity habitat for species to thrive. Taronga has released over 55,000 animals back into the wild, reintroducing populations of many threatened species.
World Class Conservation Science
Taronga’s Institute of Science and Learning is the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere and is home to the largest zoo science team in conjunction to providing immersive formal education from kindergarten to PhD shape the mindset of the next generation of conservationists.
Disrupting Conservation with Innovation
Taronga is investing into formative AI and utilising data science for animal welfare research and to assist with tracking illegal wildlife trade.
Commitment to Country
Habitat Positive ensures a respectful, inclusive restoration approach, prioritising Commitment to Country. A First Nations leader forms part of the steering committee and regular engagement with the local community focuses on exploring opportunities for sustainable employment and supporting First Nations enterprises from seed supply to land management to deliver meaningful benefits to the community.
Partner with us
At Taronga Habitat Positive, our conservation efforts are guided by a comprehensive
process delivered by experienced leaders in large-scale restoration.
A holistic partnership
Taronga understands navigating through TNFD and TCFD is complex and evolving. Taronga Habitat Positive empowers organisations on their Net Zero journey with a nature-based solution that removes carbon, restores vital habitats, and protects threatened species — delivering meaningful impact to communities and strengthens business credibility. This is more than an environmental initiative - this is a transformational opportunity for organisations to progress business objectives related to climate and nature and contribute to Australia's restoration legacy.
Corporate Risk Mitigation
Built in risk mitigation and insurance to manage corporate geographic, financial and reputational risks
High Integrity and High Quality ACCUs
Australian based third party verified premium carbon credits
Durable Carbon Removal
A nature-based solution utilising the Environmental Plantings methodology to sequester carbon to last a century.
Safeguards for Greenwashing
High degree of due diligence undertaken with alignment to TNFD/TCFD frameworks, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and LEAP Framework
Bespoke Partnership
Tailored partnerships offering tangible and intangible benefits designed to align with corporate objectives and priorities
Meaningful Benefits
Delivering impactful environmental, biodiversity and community benefits
Enduring
Provides future hedging with a stacked natural capital portfolio as opposed to short term spot sales
Cross-sector Collaboration
Partnerships and third-party verification with Accounting for Nature, Botanic Gardens Sydney, BCT, CO2 Australia and the NSW Government
A Lasting Commitment to Conservation
Join us on this historic conservation initiative.
As Taronga embarks on this groundbreaking journey for wildlife by establishing a third Taronga site, we invite you to join us in making history. Philanthropic seed funding presents a crucial catalyst, offering vital support in the early stages of Habitat Positive. Your support will enable Taronga to kickstart essential activities such as land restoration, species protection and impactful community outcomes.
This is an opportunity for forward-thinking supporters of Taronga to be the first to contribute to Taronga's next truly wild site and create an enduring impact to shift the trajectory for Australian species.
Seed Funding to Scale
Philanthropic funding and support will form the foundation of restoration and rewilding efforts and supported with private corporate investment to ensuring the project's continuity and scalability.
Educating for the future
Habitat Positive offers opportunities for immersive on-site learning for educators, students and scientists
Eco-tourism Opportunities
Habitat positive sanctuaries are planned to be Taronga's future rewilding low impact eco-tourism sites for the wider community
A Legacy for Australian Wildlife
Your generous support across existing key programs at Taronga has culminated to this landmark initiative. Habitat Positive is the pivotal link for the preservation for our most precious Australian species.
Impact and Innovation Updates
Partner with Taronga and together we can secure, restore and protect the wild.
Sydney Airport has partnered with Taronga Habitat Positive to establish a ‘wild’ restoration site in the Northwest Slopes of NSW. Sydney Airport’s 10-year partnership unites two of Australia’s most historic brands to drive meaningful conservation outcomes. It will enable Taronga to restore vital habitat at scale while pioneering a model for landscape-level restoration. This pilot site marks the beginning of a scalable restoration and rewilding initiative under Taronga Habitat Positive, with a vision to restore two million hectares of threatened woodlands across eastern Australia. The collaboration also supports Sydney Airport’s ambitious sustainability goals, including its Net Zero 2030 (Scope 1 and 2 emissions) target.
Join us to shape Australia’s landscape and a Habitat Positive Future.
Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Road
Mosman NSW 2088
Cammeraigal Country
habitatpositive@zoo.nsw.gov.au
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