Santa celebrates environmentalist’s second Christmas in the tree tops

.
Conservationist Miranda Gibson is set to spend her second Christmas in the Observer Tree after spending more than a year living 60 meters above the ground. To bring the festive spirit to Miranda’s tree-top perch, Santa Claus paid her a visit. Santa came into the tree bearing gifts from many community members who support Miranda’s stance for the forests.

“Of all the natural areas in the world that I fly over each year on my Christmas flight I honestly believe that Tasmania’s tall forests are some of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever seen. To think they are still unprotected and threatened by logging and burning is unacceptable,” said Mr Claus.

“This marks my second Christmas at the top of this tree. This time last year I had hoped that I would not have spend another Christmas here, and that this forest would be securely protected by now. Sadly, after a year, I still need to be here watching over this forest that remains under threat,” said Miranda Gibson.

“I hope that I will not be here for a third Christmas. In early 2013 the government has an opportunity and the responsibility to nominate these world class forests for world heritage protection. What a wonderful Christmas gift it would be for all of Australians and the world, to have these forests protected for future generations” said Miranda Gibson.

“I have sent a Christmas greeting to Environment Minister Tony Burke today urging him to place this area and all the other verified world heritage value forests of Tasmania into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area,” said Mr Claus.

“The best Christmas present Tasmanians can ask for is the secure protection of these globally unique forests. I wish I could give this present but I it’s up to Tony Burke,” said Mr Claus.