Tasmania's World Heritage Listed forests

There's a concerning environmental issue we face here in Australia at the moment.

In June later this year, the World Heritage Committee will consider the Australian Government’s request to de-list 74,000ha of Tasmania’s newly added World Heritage forests. In 2012, industry and conservationists agreed to protect these forests through the hard-fought and historic Tasmanian Forest Agreement (TFA).

These forests include large expanses of the beautiful flowering leatherwood trees. The leatherwood tree is essential for the health of the Island State. In fact, not only does the leatherwood tree contribute to 70% of Tasmania’s honey, the health of Tasmania’s forests touches all facets of society.

In collaboration with The Wilderness Society Inc, Balangara Films has created a 5min micro doc with a local perspective on this global issue about honeybees and the sustainability of our western food supply.

Released on Tuesday 6th May, via the Wilderness Society’s Facebook page, this video has amassed almost 3,000 shares in just 4 days with an audience reach of over a quarter of a million people. The video has smashed all previous social media records for one of Australia’s oldest Not For Profit conservation organisations. It’s clear from these stats and the comments coming through that people all over the world are both engaged and enraged about this issue.

The mainstream media here in Australia simply refuses to cover the real issues about the importance of Tasmania’s old growth forests. Right now we need a wave consciousness to hit people all over the planet before it’s too late.

“Looking After Our Food” features Tasmanian beekeepers Bob Davey and Hedley Hoskinson who are fighting for the preservation of these forests. Please take five minutes of your day to watch as they explain why these leatherwood trees are essential for Tasmanian apiarists.

Video Link:
http://vimeo.com/balangarafilms/lookafterfood