Connecting human and planet health

Bupa and Landcare Australia are proud to announce their newest combined project, the Bupa Landcare Project Funding. (Supplied)

In partnership with Bupa, Landcare Australia is proud to announce the Bupa Landcare Project Funding, inviting applications from groups and organisations to support the establishment of 75,000 native trees and shrubs in urban and peri-urban areas.

The partnership aims to enhance both environmental and health outcomes by improving the connectivity of native vegetation and creating new green spaces in urban areas.

This partnership is to celebrate Bupa’s 2024 Healthy Cities Challenge, which focuses on strengthening connections between the health of people and the planet.

The Bupa Landcare Project Funding is open to a wide range of community groups and organisations to plant trees and shrubs that are endemic to the local area, including landcare groups and networks, environmental groups such as ‘Friends-of’, Coastcare, WildCare, Dunecare, Bushcare, and Intrepid Landcare, local governments, NRM organisations and non-profits operating nationally, Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations, as well as State and Territory Landcare Organisations.

Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish commented on how the partnership marks a significant moment for the organisation and the landcare community.

“This is Landcare Australia’s first health partnership of its scale with a national impact, and we’re excited to collaborate with Bupa on a program that truly values the connection between human health and environmental restoration,” he said.

“This funding will not only encourage people to get outdoors and engage with their local environment for their own wellbeing but also contribute significantly to the health of their local environment by improving biodiversity, native habitat and landscape restoration.”

Bupa APAC CEO Nick Stone said that by combining physical activity with environmental action, the Healthy Cities Challenge brings to life our belief that adopting healthy habits can positively impact people’s wellbeing and the cities they live in.

“Through this partnership, we are committed to contributing to the restoration of our invaluable and distinctive ecosystems all aimed at fostering a healthier planet for healthier people,” Dr Norrish said.