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| TTNQ Reforest |
As part of Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s (TTNQ) partnership with Reforest, the 2025 Mabi Forest Planting Day saw a second hectare of tree kangaroo habitat restored, with 3,150 native trees planted at Wongabel on the Atherton Tablelands. This initiative not only enhances biodiversity but also contributes significantly to carbon removal, with an estimated 637 tonnes of carbon dioxide set to be absorbed over the next 25 years.
A Growing Commitment to Sustainability
TTNQ Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen emphasized the growing role of the tourism industry in local ecosystem restoration:
“Our partnership with Reforest connects tourism operators and visitors with real, measurable action in protecting and restoring our region’s forests. This initiative ensures that Tropical North Queensland continues to be a destination that values and nurtures its natural assets.”
The collaboration between TTNQ, Reforest, and Terrain NRM has already resulted in 5,639 trees being planted by 18 TTNQ members, reinforcing the region’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
Business Events with an Environmental Impact
Sustainability is also becoming a key focus for business events and incentive travel in the region. TTNQ’s efforts to mitigate the carbon impact of events include:
- Carbon offsetting through tree planting – TTNQ planted 270 trees to offset emissions from Australia Next 2024, a major incentive event that brought the world’s leading business event buyers to Cairns in September.
- Encouraging conference groups to contribute – TTNQ promotes Reforest’s platform to incentive groups and corporate conferences, enabling them to invest in local reforestation efforts as part of their event’s sustainability initiatives.
Why Mabi Forest Matters
The Mabi forest is a critically endangered ecosystem, with only 4% of its original coverage remaining due to historical clearing for timber and agriculture. According to Terrain NRM Chief Executive Officer Stewart Christie, restoring and reconnecting this fragmented habitat is essential to:
- Preserve biodiversity – The Mabi forest is home to unique species like the Lumholtz’s tree kangaroo, Victoria’s riflebird, and the green ringtail possum.
- Improve genetic resilience – Small, isolated pockets of forest make wildlife populations vulnerable to extinction.
- Combat climate change – Expanding the forest helps absorb carbon dioxide and strengthens the region’s ecosystem resilience.
Empowering Visitors to Make a Difference
Reforest Chief Executive Officer Daniel Walsh highlights the importance of integrating conservation with the visitor experience:
“Travelers today want to feel like they’re giving back to the places they visit. This program allows them to be part of a larger movement—seeing the positive impact of their trip while knowing they’ve contributed to restoring the very landscapes that make Tropical North Queensland so special.”
Through Reforest’s interactive dashboard, visitors and businesses can track the progress of the restoration efforts and even contribute directly. Check out the live dashboard here.
A Model for Sustainable Tourism
The success of TTNQ’s annual planting day showcases how tourism can be a force for environmental good. By investing in nature, engaging local businesses, and inspiring visitors to participate, Tropical North Queensland is leading the way in regenerative tourism—where travel not only sustains but actively revitalizes the places we love.
For those planning a trip to Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands, the opportunity to experience conservation in action is just one more reason to visit this breathtaking region. Whether it’s spotting a tree kangaroo in the wild, planting a tree yourself, or simply choosing eco-conscious operators, your next adventure can leave a lasting impact.
Reforest dashboard:
https://app.reforest.com.au/embeddables/dashboard/destination/58pHnkRf5X1jZkPtiYNDnw?showList=true&context=business
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