A planet-saving project backed by a US billionaire is set to be launched on the Sunshine Coast.
In a massive coup for the region, Australian-based company Lord of the Trees (LOTT) plans to undertake a hi-tech program that aims to fast-grow mangrove systems.
These vital plants have been decimated around the world and provide an essential habitat for thousands of species, as well as fortifying land against erosion.
The project, inspired by a David Attenborough documentary, will see red mangrove seeds, also known as propagules, planted via precision drone technology, replicating the role birds play in nature.
It is backed by US billionaire Tim Draper who has agreed to invest $1.6 million into LOTT.
A venture capitalist, and major player in the Silicon Valley scene, Mr Draper has invested in the likes of PayPal, Tesla, SpaceX, Twitter and Skype.
LOTT’s Sunshine Coast project is proposed for a parcel of environmentally sensitive land within the Blue Heart, an area of more than 5,000 hectares on a natural floodplain in the Maroochy River catchment.
The Blue Heart is being cooperatively planned and managed in a three-way partnership between Sunshine Coast Council, the State Government and Unitywater. It includes approximately 1,500 hectares of public land, comprising Council’s Coolum Creek Environment Reserve network, the Queensland Government’s Coolum Creek Conservation Park, and Unitywater’s Yandina Creek Wetland.
LOTT founder Aymeric Maudous said that if the Coast trial was successful, the technology used in the program could be rolled out nationally.
In the four years since its inception, LOTT has used pre-programmed and weather-sealed drones with a range of artificial intelligence methods to undertake various precision planting projects to aid in ecosystem restoration, forestry growth and sustainable agriculture.
Help us deliver more stories that inform, connect and celebrate the Sunshine Coast by subscribing to our free Daily News Feed: Go to SUBSCRIBE at top of this article to register
Seeds are packed into a fertiliser mix and have a 75 per cent rate of survival once planted. This compares to a 40 per cent survival rate for traditional methods.
Depending on the project, up to 400,000 seeds can be planted in 12 hours.
The business concept was inspired by a David Attenborough documentary about the Galapagos Islands and how birds were responsible for planting the flourishing rainforest.
That was the moment Mr Maudous realised he could make a real difference to the planet’s future.
“I knew we had a big challenge ahead… we could make best use of the technology that’s available.
“We could replace big birds with big drones. The success rate would be much higher.
“By combining the knowledge of environment experts, scientists, engineers, animal protection agencies and indigenous communities we are able to deploy swarms of drones to undertake companion planting.”
Mr Maudous said the regeneration of declined mangrove plantations would assist in regulating water flow, as well as to create a sanctuary for wildlife.
“Planting mangroves by hand is very tedious… too complicated,’’ Mr Maudous said.
“We can load 168 propagules at one time… in a minute-and-a-half they are all planted. Every second there is a propagule ejected out of the drone.
“This is the first time we are using this tech here. This pilot project is very exciting.”
Mr Maudous, who spent his childhood in the countryside of Bordeaux, France, said he always had a strong affinity with the land.
The self-confessed ‘tree hugger’ has two Master’s Degrees – one in International Marketing and one in Environmental Management, and currently studies at Yale School of Environment.
He said it was LOTT’s commitment to planet regeneration that secured the deal with Mr Draper.
His injection of cash means LOTT is now valued at more than $7 million.
“I’ve got two people in my team who studied with Tim at Harvard,” Mr Maudous told Sunshine Coast News.
“They made the introduction and the first time I met Tim, when he got on the screen, he said, ‘I’m a busy man. I’ve only got 20 minutes with you’.”
Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article
Mr Maudous said the investment validated his belief that LOTT could use technology for good and make a positive impact on the world.
“It’s nice to have that type of impact business where the money is used for something good,” he said.
“We aren’t extracting from the earth, we are giving back.
“It was just not about planting trees and restoring systems. There is a more holistic approach to what we do.
“It’s the first time (in business) where I thought ‘this is it’. This is the project.
“I’m going to leave a legacy behind. A beautiful legacy behind and that is very fulfilling.”
