Unlike inner-city flagship boutiques, outback Australia doesn’t often garner attention from international fashion Maisons. Yet, in 2023—as part of LVMH’s global target to rehabilitate five million hectares of flora and fauna habitat by 2030—French luxuriate Louis Vuitton turned its eye to far north Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula.
Today, a year into the Maison’s five-year partnership with local conservation charity People For Wildlife, Louis Vuitton has released the project’s key achievements (including finding two new species!) and, in doing so, has re-cemented its sustainability commitment to the peninsula—the largest wilderness zone in northern Australia.
Flanked by the Great Barrier Reef to the east, 40,000 hectares of winding rivers, dense rainforest and distinct biodiversity within the Apudthama region has proverbially found itself under Louis Vuitton and People For Wildlife’s (green) thumb. With a shared goal to regenerate natural resources, the partnership has resulted in dramatic advances in scientific research and sustainable land management systems implemented in line with advice from First Nations traditional owners and custodians.
In just a year, Louis Vuitton and People For Wildlife have accomplished breakthroughs across pivotal areas; the paramount being the discovery of two new species: A unique mushroom variety likely to be found exclusively within the Apudthama region, and a new type of snake that adds to the biodiversity richness of the area.
Helming the project is a team of dedicated scientific experts in biodiversity, veterinary science and invasive species management (to name a few) actively advancing research and conservation efforts.
“This partnership model brings together a renowned brand, experts, and Traditional Owners to conserve a vast area of unique wildlife, addressing threats like invasive species, declining populations, and gaps in knowledge,” says Rosie Cooney, a researcher from the Louis Vuitton/PFW Scientific Advisory Board.
The inaugural year of the scheme has already demonstrated its value in benefiting the Cape York Peninsula across numerous sectors, but it’s only the beginning according to Louis Vuitton. An ambitious goal to protect 30 per cent of the planet’s land (established by the UN Biodiversity Conference Agreement, COP-15) has formed a fundamental part of Louis Vuitton’s LIFE360 initiative.
Through six pillars, Louis Vuitton aims to preserve natural resources (via responsible sourcing, fighting against climate change, and having a circular approach to creativity) and have a positive impact on society (through diversity and inclusion, supporting local communities, and developing a savoir-faire).
Yes, focusing on improving the ecosystem health of the Sunshine State’s tip is an ongoing commitment, but it signals Louis Vuitton’s devotion to worldwide regeneration and restoration. We can’t wait to see how the next 365 days unfold over this great southern land and beyond.
This story originally appeared on GRAZIA International.