10 Powerful Ways to Help Koalas This World Conservation Day 2025

Every year on July 28, World Conservation Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect the natural world. Officially established at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972 as a day to highlight the importance of safeguarding nature. The date also marks the anniversary of the adoption of the World Heritage Convention, underscoring the significance of protecting our planet’s natural wonders.

Whilst governments and large organisations have a vital role to play, we believe that we have a collective responsibility to preserve the earth’s natural resources and protect the delicate balance of its ecosystems. The health of our planet and survival of koalas depends on the choices we make daily and the habits we cultivate.

While koalas may be just one piece of the puzzle, their story reflects broader environmental challenges – and opportunities for change.

Why Conservation Matters: More Than Just Koalas

Koalas are more than cuddly creatures – they are a vital part of our unique ecosystem. By protecting koalas and their habitats, we safeguard countless other plants and animals (including humans) that share their home. Conserving koalas helps maintain biodiversity, supports the health of native eucalypt habitats, and fights the impacts of climate change.

Many of us are all too aware of the many threats facing koalas: habitat loss, bushfires and flooding intensified by climate change, Chlamydial disease, car hits and dog attacks. It is understandable to feel powerless when government inaction falls short, when it seems like nobody else cares or when we witness the continued destruction of koala habitat with little consequence. But despite the challenges, each of us holds the power to make a meaningful difference.

This World Conservation Day, why not take the opportunity to try one – or a few – of these ten impactful actions? Some are koala-specific, others are part of shaping a more sustainable future. All contribute to a ripple effect of positive change.

Get Involved in Conservation

Support Habitat Protection
Look out for public consultations on proposed developments that affect koala habitat – make a submission or objection to local council when native bushland is at risk of being cleared. Write letters to editors or speak at community forums, sign or start petitions. If you’re a landholder, consider entering conservation agreements – we can help you. Encourage land stewardship and sustainable practices in rural and semi-rural communities.

Plant Native Trees
Join our tree-planting and habitat restoration initiatives and help us grow the eucalyptus forests koalas depend on. You can even adopt a tree for just $5! You can also support biodiversity in your own community by native flowers, shrubs, and trees that provide food and shelter for local wildlife, especially pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Volunteer with Conservation Groups
Offer your time or skills to support rescue, rehabilitation, and education programs. We would love for you to come and work with us – you could even volunteer or support our work from a distance!

Report Sightings and Injuries
Help Friends of the Koala by reporting koalas in distress or injured animals. Do you know how to identify a sick or injured koala? Do you know how to report the sighting of a healthy koala for our records? Is your backyard koala-friendly?

Advocate and Educate

Advocacy
Individual action is crucial, but systemic change is indispensable! An important part of our work is advocating for improved legislation to protect koala habitat on a local, state and national level – you can help too. Engage with local, national, and global leaders to champion policies that protect natural resources, regulate pollution, and address climate change. Sign petitions, write to elected officials, and vote for candidates and parties with strong environmental platforms. Vote for policies and leaders committed to protecting biodiversity and koala habitat. Read more about advocacy and education.

Educate Your Community
Knowledge is power – share information about koalas and conservation to inspire others. Take time to learn about the environmental challenges facing your region and the world. Read books, watch documentaries, attend talks, and follow reliable conservation organisations online. Share what you learn with your family, friends, and social media networks. When more people understand the stakes, the collective will to act grows stronger. We host information and training sessions, your school or business can come along and join us to learn more about what we can all do to support koala conservation.

Support with what you can

Donate to Conservation Causes
Financial contributions, no matter how small, help conservation groups like Friends of the Koala carry out essential work such as koala rescue, hospital care and rehabilitation and habitat restoration. We offer membership, koala adoption, and opportunities to bequeath, partner with us or sponsor specific projects such as koala vaccination.

Make Sustainable Choices at Home

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
The classic trio continues to play a vital role in conservation. By thoughtfully reducing consumption, finding new uses for items, and recycling where possible, we can all help lessen the waste that ends up in landfills and impacts the environment. Take a moment to reflect on your daily habits – could reusable containers replace some single-use plastics? Are electronics, batteries, and paper being recycled properly? This World Conservation Day is a great opportunity to set a personal goal to minimise waste, learn about your local recycling guidelines, and inspire others in your community to join you.

Conserve Water
Water is a valuable and limited resource. While some areas experience water scarcity, everyone can benefit from using water thoughtfully. Small changes add up – like fixing leaky taps, taking shorter showers, running dishwashers and washing machines only when full, and collecting rainwater for your garden. Installing low-flow fixtures can also help conserve water at home. This World Conservation Day, consider taking a moment to reflect on your water use and see where you might gently reduce it – not just today, but as part of your everyday routine.

Reduce Energy Consumption
Energy use plays a big role in our impact on the environment. By being mindful of how we use energy, we can all contribute to lowering our carbon footprint. Simple actions like turning off lights and appliances when they’re not needed, unplugging chargers, and swapping old bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs can make a difference. Improving home insulation and using fans or natural ventilation can help reduce the need for air conditioning. If it’s an option, exploring renewable energy sources or solar panels can be a positive step. Every small effort adds up to a more sustainable future.

Every Action Matters!
This World Conservation Day, why not take the opportunity to try one – or a few – of these ten meaningful actions? Every small choice adds up to lasting impact.