Scenic World joins the fight to protect a Gondwana era plant

The dwarf mountain pine (Pherosphaera fitzgeraldii) is a rare and ancient species that has called the Blue Mountains home for millions of years.

Known as a living fossil, it is one of the world's smallest pines and plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem with its unique ability to stabilise soils and regulate local microclimates. However, this endangered species is facing a significant threat – dieback.

Plant dieback is when parts of a plant, like the leaves or branches, start to dry up and die. It happens when the plant is impacted by disease, isn't getting enough water, or something is negatively impacting its roots, like soil health. If it's not reversed, the whole plant, and surrounding environment can die. Without intervention, we risk losing this unique piece of our natural heritage.

To understand more about this critical issue, Saving our Species has launched a 3-year research project to investigate the causes of dieback and develop strategies to safeguard this species. Partner support is crucial to amplify what government can achieve alone – and that's where Scenic World comes in.

Investing in the dwarf mountain pines future

Located in the heart of the Blue Mountains, Scenic World is an ecotourism certified business that operates near the species' habitat. It's uniquely situated, on the edge of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area with over one million guests visiting each year from around the world to experience the longest elevated boardwalk in Australia and ride the world's steepest railway and 2 cable cars, the Skyway and Cableway.

The attractions are made even more impressive by the epic backdrop of nature, an incredibly important ecosystem where the dwarf mountain pine grows. It's a World Heritage-listed rainforest in need of our support, and Scenic World is investing in its future.

Anthea Hammon, Managing Director, Scenic World said, 'Our Skyway cable car provides a birds-eye view of Katoomba Falls, one of the crucial habitats for the dwarf mountain pine. Since 1958 our guests have marvelled at this beautiful environment that surrounds us. We view ourselves as custodians of this land so having the opportunity to assist in the research and protection of this endangered species, in partnership with Saving our Species, creates a powerful alliance, to protect the mountains pine and to ensure the long-term resilience of the entire Blue Mountains ecosystem.'

A partnership that makes an impact

Together, Saving our Species and Scenic World are co-funding a research project to understand the causes of dieback and explore ways to help save this unique and threatened species. Scenic World will also use its platform to share important conservation messages and help educate residents on how to reduce pollution in local waterways, which is essential to protecting the species' fragile habitat.

Ahamad Sherieff, Threatened Species Officer, Saving our Species, said, 'This partnership is not only crucial for the survival of the dwarf mountain pine but also has the potential to improve the management of waterways and catchments across the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, benefiting the broader ecosystem.'

Opportunities to support local biodiversity exist right across New South Wales

Scenic World's partnership with Saving our Species is a powerful example of how businesses can actively support biodiversity conservation in their local region. By caring for ecosystems, raising awareness, and engaging the community, organisations can play an active role in protecting the very biodiversity that helps their bottom line thrive.

If you're a business that cares about your local environment, contact the Saving our Species Partnerships Team to start a conversation about conservation. Together, we can make a real difference for the future of New South Wales's unique species.