Published on 09/13/2024 00:12 Updated on 09/13/2024 00:13
Video length: 19 min
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Special Envoy. When Australia rises from its ashes Special Envoy. When Australia rises from its ashes (ENVOYE SPECIAL / FRANCE 2)
Off the coast of Australia, Kangaroo Island was ravaged by fires in 2020. While the fires destroyed buildings and infrastructure, they also revitalized existing species: nearly five years later, flora and fauna have resurfaced.
Ravaged by huge and endless fires in 2020, Kangaroo Island, off the coast of Australia, was nothing more than a vast expanse of black, ugly and smoking earth. With more than 210,000 hectares gone up in smoke – more than three times the area of the burned areas in France in 2022 – the island experienced the biggest disaster in its history.
In this sanctuary for koalas and kangaroos, more than 32,000 animals perished in the flames and thousands of homes, businesses and infrastructure were reduced to ashes.
But nearly five years after that “Black Summer,” the island is already rising from the ashes and offering a wonderful glimpse into the resilience of nature. Rather than destroying the landscapes they ravaged forever, the fires have seemingly revitalized the species that already exist. “It’s like nature has hit the reset button.”note the scientists who are working to care for the local flora.
Some species of native flowers and plants that had disappeared from the island for seventy years are growing again and wild animals are making a comeback. A must-see on Australian tourist circuits, Kangaroo Island is now seeing a return of visitors… who are being asked by the authorities to help the island’s rebirth.
A report by Angélique Forget, Marie Boyer, Germain Baslé, Elsa Rinjeonneau, Antoine Védeilhé, Antoine Lemesle / Keyi Productions broadcast in “Envoyé spécial” on September 12 2024.
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Kangaroo Island fire 2024
Table of Contents
Kangaroo Island: Rising from the Ashes
In 2020, Kangaroo Island, off the coast of Australia, was ravaged by devastating bushfires that destroyed buildings, infrastructure, and habitats, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The fires, which burned more than half of the island, were the biggest disaster in its history, with over 210,000 hectares of land destroyed and more than 32,000 animals perishing in the flames [[4]]. However, nearly five years after the “Black Summer,” the island is rising from the ashes, and nature is showing its resilience.
Despite the destruction, the fires have seemingly revitalized the species that already exist on the island. Scientists have noted that it’s “like nature has hit the reset button” [[4]]. Native flowers and plants that had disappeared from the island for seventy years are growing again, and wild animals are making a comeback. This remarkable regeneration is a testament to the island’s natural beauty and its ability to heal itself.
The recovery of Kangaroo Island is not just limited to its natural wonders. The local community has also played a crucial role in the island’s rebirth. During the recovery process, communities were central to the identification, planning, and delivery of suitable programs in each fire-affected area [[1]]. This community-led approach has been instrumental in shaping the island’s recovery and ensuring that the needs of local residents are met.
Tourism is also playing a vital role in the island’s recovery. Kangaroo Island is a must-see on Australian tourist circuits, and visitors are being asked by the authorities to help the island’s rebirth. As visitors return to the island, they are contributing to the local economy and supporting the community’s efforts to rebuild and recover.
Infrastructure development is also underway to support the island’s recovery. For example, the island’s Parndana School has been rebuilt with new hybrid solar and battery power, as well as the ability to capture and store up to 1.5 million gallons of rainwater [[3]]. This innovative approach to infrastructure development is not only sustainable but also helps to reduce the island’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Kangaroo Island’s recovery is a remarkable story of resilience and regeneration. From the natural wonders of the island to the local community’s efforts, and from tourism to infrastructure development, the island is rising from the ashes. As visitors return to the island, they are not only witnessing the beauty of nature but also contributing to the island’s rebirth.
References:
[[4]](No URL available)
**Kangaroo Island: Rise from the Ashes – A Testament to Nature’s Resilience**
Kangaroo Island: Rise from the Ashes – A Testament to Nature’s Resilience
In the aftermath of the devastating bushfires that ravaged Kangaroo Island in 2020, a glimmer of hope has emerged. Four years on, the island is slowly but steadily rising from the ashes, with native flora and fauna making a remarkable comeback. This remarkable story is a testament to nature’s resilience and its ability to revitalize itself in the face of adversity.
The Devastating Bushfires of 2020
The 2020 bushfire season was one of the most severe in Australian history, with Kangaroo Island bearing the brunt of the disaster. A staggering wave of bushfires swept across the island during a record stretch of hot and dry weather, consuming huge swathes of countryside [[1]]. The massive blazes destroyed thousands of homes, businesses, and infrastructure, leaving behind a trail of devastation and ash[[[2]]. The fires also had a devastating impact on the island’s wildlife, with an estimated 32,000 animals perishing in the flames [[3]].
A New Beginning: The Island’s Rebirth
However, in the aftermath of the disaster, something remarkable has occurred. Scientists have observed that the fires have seemingly revitalized the species that existed on the island, with native flowers and plants that had disappeared for seventy years making a comeback [[4]]. Wild animals, including koalas and kangaroos, are also making a return, much to the delight of the island’s residents and tourists.
The Power of Nature’s Resilience
The remarkable rebirth of Kangaroo Island is a testament to nature’s incredible resilience. As scientists aptly put it, “It’s like nature has hit the reset button” [[4]]. The fires, which were once thought to have destroyed the island’s ecosystem forever, have instead acted as a catalyst for renewal and growth. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our natural environment, and the incredible ability of nature to heal and regenerate itself.
A Call to Action: Helping the Island’s Rebirth
As the island continues to rise from the ashes, authorities are calling on visitors to help support the island’s rebirth. By promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local businesses, visitors can play a vital role in helping the island recover from the devastating effects of the bushfires. This not only benefits the local economy but also helps to preserve the island’s unique ecosystem and biodiversity.
Conclusion
The story of Kangaroo Island’s rise from the ashes is a powerful reminder of nature’s incredible resilience and ability to revitalize itself in the face of adversity. As we look to the future, it is essential that we learn from this experience and take action to protect our natural environment. By supporting sustainable tourism and conservation efforts, we can help ensure that Kangaroo Island and other vulnerable ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.
References:
[1] Bill Spindle, “Fighting Fires on Kangaroo Island,” Substack, 2024.
[2] Country Fire Service, “Operational Reviews,” 2020.
[3] Department of the
