The native seed shortage

At Sustainability Help, we're always looking for ways to make a positive impact on our environment, be it through the work we do or where we can spend our profits. Recently, an article in The Conversation caught our attention, highlighting a critical issue facing Australia's biodiversity: that only 10% of native plants can be bought as seed. Here’s a link. This shortage poses a significant challenge to our nature repair efforts, but it also presents an opportunity for all of us to make a difference.

The seed shortage: Key points from the article

The article, published in the Conversation by Rachael Gallagher, titled "Only 10% of native plants can be bought as seed – a big problem for nature repair. Here's how we can make plantings more diverse," was published on June 10, 2024. Here are our main takeaways:

1. Australia's Restoration Challenge: Over 52 million hectares of land across Australia is degraded, lacking biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. As part of the Global Biodiversity Framework, Australia has pledged to effectively restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030 - that's about 15.6 million hectares.

2. The Importance of Diversity: Ecosystem restoration requires planting a diverse mix of native species, which can range from 600 to 20,000 seeds per square metre. This diversity is crucial for creating resilient ecosystems.

3. Limited Seed Availability: Only about 10% of Australia's plant species, or 2,992 species, can be bought as seed. This shortage severely limits our ability to create truly diverse plantings.

4. Imbalance in Available Species: The seeds that are available tend to be from trees and shrubs, while ecologically important understorey species (herbs and grasses) are often missing from commercial seed supplies.

5. Impact on Restoration Efforts: This shortage has serious implications for ecosystems where most of the diversity is in the understorey.

6. Need for Investment: The researchers call for greater investment to improve the seed supply chain in an ethical and ecologically sustainable way.

What we're doing at Sustainability Help

In light of this critical shortage, we at Sustainability Help are committed to being part of the solution. A percentage of all our profits go towards collecting and growing Australian natives, with a particular focus on species local to our area in South East Australia. While we are a few years off setting up a dedicated Seed Production Area (SPA), we believe that by supporting the cultivation and preservation of Australian native plants, we can contribute to the restoration of Australia's unique ecosystems.

What you can do

Whether you're in Australia or elsewhere in the world, choosing native plants over exotic species in your area can make a significant difference to your local ecosystem. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Research local native (indigenous) species: Learn about the plants that are indigenous to your area. Local botanical gardens, local councils, native plant societies, or universities can be a great resources. The Australian Native Plant Society is a brilliant resource here in Australia.

2. Choose native plants for your garden: When landscaping or gardening, opt for native species. They're often better adapted to local conditions, requiring less water and maintenance.

3. Support local native plant nurseries: Buy your plants and seeds from nurseries that specialise in native species. This supports both local businesses and biodiversity.

4. Participate in community planting events: Many local conservation groups, schools and councils organise native planting events. Participating in these can be a great way to contribute to larger restoration efforts.

5. Volunteer at a a local indigenous nursery: Nurseries that specialise in Australian natives are always on the lookout for volunteers. It’s a great way to gain valuable experience without the need to undertake a qualification.

6. Create habitat in your backyard: Plant a variety of native species that provide food and shelter for local wildlife. This could include flowering plants for pollinators, berry-producing or prickly shrubs for birds, or host plants for butterflies. The Gardens for Wildlife Victoria has some fantastic information.

7. Avoid invasive species: Be aware of plants that are considered invasive in your area and avoid planting them. They can and will spread outside your yard and outcompete native species and disrupt local ecosystems. In Victoria, the Advisory list of environmental weeds in Victoria is a great resource.

8. Educate Others: Share your knowledge about the importance of native plants with friends, family, and neighbours. The more people who understand the value of native species, the greater impact we can have.

9. Support Seed Banking Initiatives: If there are seed banking or native plant conservation programs in your area, consider supporting them through donations or volunteer work.

The shortage of native plant seeds in Australia is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in preserving and restoring our unique ecosystems. Let alone begin to talk about planting new trees to drawdown all of the carbon in our atmosphere. However, it's also an opportunity for all of us to take action. Whether it's through supporting grassroots organisations, partnering with Sustainability Help, or by making native-friendly choices in our own gardens, we all have a role to play.

Remember, every native plant we add to our environment is a step towards greater biodiversity, more resilient ecosystems, and a healthier planet. Let's work together to create a future where our native flora thrives, supporting the rich tapestry of life that makes our natural world so extraordinary.