New film shares First Nations peoples' connection and concerns for Forests on Country

News release | 21-Mar-2024

A new short film, made in partnership with government and First Nations organisations in Australia and New Zealand, is being launched today to highlight the importance and threats to our native forests.

Roots of Resilience: Working together to protect our forests gives voice to First Nations’ perspectives, connections and concerns about forests on Country.

It highlights the threats to our forests, including myrtle rust and Phytophthora dieback, and our need to share Traditional knowledge and Western Science to protect our unique forests and Country.

The launch coincides with the United Nations International Day of Forests, celebrated annually on 21 March.  

Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Senior Principal Forest Pathologist Dr Geoff Pegg and the project team have worked in collaboration with Indigenous Rangers to develop a film that shows the impacts introduced pests and pathogens are having on the health of our forests and the connection between Country and First Nations people.

“Australia’s forests are recognised and valued for their diverse ecosystems and unique biodiversity,” Dr Pegg said.

“They provide various environmental, economic, and cultural benefits. Forests are places with unique cultural and aesthetic values, loved and appreciated by many, and help to protect us from a changing climate.

“This film illustrates the devastating impacts of exotic pests and pathogens, like the death of majestic, 800-year-old Bunya trees in the Bunya Mountains from Phytophthora root disease.”

Dr Pegg said Myrtle rust was changing our forests, driving native species to extinction.

“Indigenous knowledge and the connections to Country are vital for protecting our forests against these threats and those yet to reach our shores. We need to walk together – bring traditional knowledge and Western science together to come up with solutions.”

Roots of Resilience: Working together to protect our forests was filmed in the Bunya Mountains and Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest in Queensland and New South Wales (Bongil Bongil National Park, Coffs Harbour).

The film was made in collaboration with the Australian Government, Queensland and NSW Governments, Aboriginal Communities and partners in New Zealand.

The film was made possible through the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Environmental Biosecurity Project Fund from the Australian Chief Environmental Biosecurity Office, in collaboration with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

ENDS

​​​​​​​Information for reporters:

Tap/click the following link to watch Roots of Resilience: Working together to protect our forests. First Nations environmental biosecurity - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au)

For media use: Please find downloadable trailer for Roots of Resilience here: ROOTS OF RESILIENCE TEASER.

Media contact: DAF Media, media@daf.qld.gov.au