Photography Advocates Environmental Protection

Photographing Australia's ancient woodlands could help them survive. That's the hope of photographers drawing attention to the ecological value of the country's natural forests.

Our reporter Li Dong has the details.

A group of Australian photographers have captured images of the country's native forests, coastlines and animals - in a bid to reduce logging.

Organizers hope their work will speak volumes about the threat they see to Australia's natural resources.

The south east of Australia is home to ancient woodlands. These ecological systems are vital to society for the provision of water, carbon storage and breathable air.

Photographer Gordon Undy says he's drawing attention to the increase in carbon released into the atmosphere as more trees are lost.

"I know that the absence of trees, for example the foliage here on the left, is really adding to our carbon load, and as soon as they take more trees away, we get more carbon in the atmosphere."

Exhibition organizer Prue Acton hopes the pictures can bring about change.

"They say an image is worth a 1000 words, we've heard the science. We've seen the economics, we know that logging our native forests is not economic, not sustainable and socially divisive."

The six photographers spent time capturing images of the forests in the country's southeast coastline.

The body of work highlights the wildlife that is under threat of losing their homes, or even becoming extinct. Images include the one of the few recovering populations of wild koalas.

Photographer Richard Green says his work is personal.

"Well I'd like to feel that it does help to create an awareness of the importance of protecting the forests because this is what I'm all about as well."

Enterprise 'Forests New South Wales' has pledged to only log areas that aren't near koala habitats. The logging includes high quality timber, and woodchip mainly for export to Asia.

For CRI, I am Li Dong.