Case study: A review of Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor Sustainability

Introduction?

In pursuit of economic and social development in the world, human activities have substantially contributed to environmental degradation. This has resulted in loss of biodiversity, pollution and climate change crises. These have negative effects on the environment, and the community's welfare at present and for future generations. They make them vulnerable to economic crises. Therefore, a sustainable development approach aims to balance environmental care with social well-being to achieve sustainable economic growth as the solution to these problems.?

Reforestation has become a critical issue globally, especially in ecological sustainability. This is because forests and trees are crucial components of the environment that provide numerous environmental, social and economic benefits. The disappearance of forests due to factors such as large agriculture farming, climate change, urbanization, and illegal logging has led to the degradation of natural ecosystems. Resulting in soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and other ecological problems. Reforestation is a vital strategy for reversing deforestation's negative impacts and addressing key environmental problems.

The Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor multi-species native reforestation project by Carbon Neutral Pty Ltd (project developer) is one such sustainable development program in the northern wheatbelt of Western Australia (Carbon Positive Australia, 2020). While contributing to climate change mitigation and sustainable development, this project also recognises several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Even though the project has contributed to addressing carbon reduction and meeting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, it is equally pertinent to understand how it supports environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability. The essay discusses the three dimensions of sustainability; the environmental, social, and economic benefits of the Biodiversity Corridor, and how these relate to ecologically sustainable (ESD) principles and environmental laws. However, some potential deficiencies of the project are also discussed.?

Ecological sustainable development (ESD)

Sustainable development has gained significant importance consequently of the increasing impact of environmental degradation and climate change around the world. Therefore, to achieve a sustainable future, environmental care, social justice, and economic potential must all be linked together (UNCED, 1992). Although, sustainable development has various definitions, they all emphasize a healthy environment, human well-being, and biodiversity protection.

In 1983, the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) recognized sustainable development as a solution to environmental and development problems (WCED, 1987). This was followed in 1987 by the Brundtland Report in which the commission called for countries to align their policies and development initiatives with sustainable development, this being defined as:

‘Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’

ESD then emerged as a means of achieving sustainability in all three dimensions of economic, social, and environmental action, that economic and social development is dependent upon a healthy ecosystem (ESD, 1992; Harding, 2006). ESD ensures the well-being of current and future generations by balancing social, economic, and environmental factors. The ESD principles are recognized internationally as a crucial concept in environmental law (Harding, 2006). In response to environmental deterioration, ESD guides decisions and actions that ensure that existing resources are used effectively, conserved, and enhanced for the maintenance of ecological processes, thereby increasing economic opportunities and improving citizen well-being.

The Australian Government has embraced the understanding and approach to sustainable development through the National Strategy on ESD (ESD, 1992), and has incorporated it into all of its policies and care about agriculture's environmental impacts (Industry Commission, 1998). As defined by the strategy, ecologically sustainable development is;

‘Using, conserving and enhancing the community’s resources so that ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained, and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be increased.’

A key component of the strategy is recognition of the role played by private businesses in promoting ecologically sustainable development. The strategy sought to respond to climate change, conserve biodiversity, stabilize soils, ensure clean water sources, reduce waste, and recycle. Initiatives supporting environmental conservation and management are supported by the strategy. To achieve NSESD’s strategy, Australia’s private enterprises are encouraged to support and adhere to the concept of ecologically sustainable development while performing their organization’s roles and responsibilities.

Overview of the Yarra Yarra Corridor

The clearing of land for livestock and crop production in Western Australia's northern Wheatbelt resulted in the significant loss of native vegetation. Even though there are few woodlands on stony hills and barren land, the areas have largely been exposed to dryland salinity (Peck and Hatton, 2003), habitat loss (Huggett et al, 2015), and biodiversity losses (Myers et al., 2000). Indigenous plant and animal species have rapidly depleted and reduced (InSight Ecology, 2015). Therefore, developers have recently worked with landowners to restore natural habitats and improve vegetation on non-arable lands by minimizing salinity, habitat loss and erosion (InSight Ecology, 2015; Huggett et al, 2015). Tree planting was initiated to revegetate the deteriorated land area.

The Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor Project is a multi-faceted environmental conservation initiative that aims to enhance biodiversity of Western Australia's northern Wheatbelt region, stretching over 702,000 hectares in response to "SDG Goal 15, Life on Land" (Carbon Positive Australia, 2020). As part of the project, sustainable land management practices, habitat restoration, and habitat connectivity programs are being implemented to conserve the region's natural habitats, promote ecological sustainability, and rejuvenate the local economy (Carbon Neutral, 2022). The reforestation project used strategic planting of indigenous and mixed tree species and shrubs (Carbon Positive Australia, 2020). The project has taken over the degraded land portion of Hill View to reforest and restore the ecosystem. Tree planting was initiated to improve the deteriorating landscape. Therefore, despite the company’s focus on mitigating climate change through sequestration and carbon reservation, the project also supports the UN SDGs. It benefits the ecosystem restoration, supporting social well-being and providing economic opportunities to the people.

Sustainability features of Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor

Review of environmental sustainability benefits

The region’s biodiversity and soil have been harmed and degraded by continuous grazing and food production. However, in an effort to strengthen and improve resilient ecosystems globally, the project was developed in collaboration with local communities, the government, and international conservation networks. There were 40-50 mixed native tree species and shrubs reforested, 30 of which are significant tree species (Carbon Neutral, 2022). The entire biosphere has been covered by 21,000 hectares of trees planted (Carbon Neutral, 2022). The project benefits environmental sustainability in various ways, as outlined below.

Reforestation conserves and restores soils. A study by Parkhurst & Standish, (2020) revealed improvement in soil quality from the revegetated sites, with salinity minimized and soil organic matter increased. The same study confirms that the reforestation project contributed to soil fertility by adding organic matter from leaves. This aids soil structure and nutrient cycling. Tree roots stabilize soil, reducing soil erosion caused by wind and flowing water (Zhu et al, 2020; Zuazo and Pleguezuelo, 2009). Significantly, it prevents soil loss, which is especially relevant in Western Australia where soil degradation is an ecological issue. These may also improve soil microbiome and soil nutrients as well as yield (Cunningham et al., 2013).

Secondly, reforestation also benefits the water cycle. The establishment of trees allows re-establishment of dryland areas where water can pool and be absorbed into the ground, minimizing surface runoff and improving water quality (Devkota et al, 2022). Electrical Conductivity (EC) monitoring results indicated lower EC levels from surface water flowing from re-established vegetation areas than from water flowing from agricultural land (Carbon Positive Australia, 2020). Trees also absorb water from the soil, reducing runoff and charging groundwater aquifers. Increased vegetation cover can also reduce soil evaporation and water loss from the ground.

The reforestation project also benefits wildlife. The project enhances biodiversity by connecting fragmented habitats with a potential wildlife corridor (Knowles, 2015). It has restored habitat for numerous native plants and animal species, which have decreased or disappeared due to habitat loss over time. Biodiversity monitoring studies by Huggett, et al., (2015) and InSight Ecology, (2015) confirmed the restoration of important tree species of York Gum (Eucalyptus loxophleba), Acacia jam (Acacia acuminate), River saltbush (Atriplex amnicola) and Brushwood (Melaleuca uncinate) which have attracted bird species such as Crested Bellbird, Rufouc Whistler and Splendid Fairy Wren. Vulnerable Eucalyptus synandra and other native plant species were also recorded in both studies. As biodiversity and habitat connectivity increase, endemic wildlife populations are expected to recover and establish, ecological processes are expected to be maintained, and ecosystem resilience will be enhanced. The restored vegetation also provides areas for bird nesting, shelter for small mammals and reptiles, and food sources for insects and other invertebrates.

Carbon sequestration is also an important benefit of reforestation. The project promotes the sequestration of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the soil to mitigate climate change and contributes to global efforts to combat climate change (Climate Active, 2020; Carbon Positive Australia, 2020). Carbon is a crucial component of healthy soils, which help trap carbon and other GHG, including methane and nitric oxide, which collectively release heat-trapping gases stored in soil microbes (Tiedje et al., 2022). Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and store it in their biomass, offsetting greenhouse gas emissions (Department of Environmental Protection, 2018). Within the project period, the different tree species planted will sequester over 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted (Carbon Positive Australia, 2020).

Finally, reforestation is essential for land health and ecological integrity. This project has rehabilitated abandoned mine sites and degraded farmland into native vegetation habitats (InSight Ecology, 2015). More importantly, the project plants native trees, shrubs, and ground cover species to create habitat corridors. These corridors serve as a connected pathway for wildlife to move and adjust to the changing habitats as climate changes. According to Wang et al., (2004), enhancing indigenous tree species and mixing different tree species is a vital step toward rapid biodiversity restoration. The project has restored degraded farmland to a state where it can provide ecological services and benefits, including carbon sequestration, watershed services, nutrient cycling, and soil stabilization. Furthermore, by promoting long-term land health and ecological integrity, the project will enhance biodiversity, support food security by providing areas for crop rotation, and contribute to the overall socio-economic well-being of the region. A significant aspect of the project is the integration of sustainable and science-based land management practices, which promote ecosystem conservation and restoration. Having a biodiverse landscape improves soil quality, water quality, and air quality.

The project's sustainability features align with ESD principles, including environmental sustainability, the maintenance of natural resources for present and future generations (O'Brien, 2017). This is achieved by identifying the impacts of human activities on the environment and taking measures to mitigate environmental risks. During the implementation of the project, stakeholders ensured that the project did not cause any adverse impacts on the environment. The project further aimed to restore the flora and fauna in the area by removing invasive species and replacing them with indigenous flora (Centre for Ecosystem Management, 2019). Habitat restoration, habitat connectivity, community involvement and action, carbon sequestration, and ESD promotion all provide a blueprint for future restoration and conservation projects worldwide. The project also ensured the conservation of numerous species, including Carnaby's Black Cockatoo and the Western Ringtail Possum (Centre for Ecosystem Management, 2019). Moreover, the Project's success results from collaborations with local and international environmental agencies and scientific, academic and rural communities.

Review of social sustainability benefits

Another of the essential advantages of the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor Project is social sustainability. This is done by creating avenues for people to participate actively in building more sustainable communities. The reforestation project has a significant positive impact on community development, particularly on indigenous people who partially depend on forests.

Firstly, the project fosters community engagement, participation, and ownership of the conservation program. The project aligns with the community's aspirations, promotes community involvement and creates a sense of belonging. Taking a collaborative approach, local farmers, community members, and other stakeholders were involved in the planning and implementation of the conservation works. For example, throughout the project implementation, traditional landowners, farm and government departments and relevant biodiversity and environmental organizations were consulted (Climate Active, 2020; Carbon Positive Australia, 2020). Moreover, involving the community in the initiative creates an opportunity to learn new skills, such as land conservation, Indigenous cultural practices, and horticulture (Department of Environmental Protection, 2018). These can further enhance their well-being.

In partnership with the Morawa Regional Agricultural College, the project provides training programs to empower farmers to adopt sustainable land management practices such as crop rotation, minimum tillage, the use of native grasses, and reduced use of chemicals to reduce harmful runoff, a common issue faced in agricultural practices (Carbon Positive Australia, 2020). The project incorporates an educational program aimed at fostering environmental education among farmers, school children, and community members. The education program includes school tours, training events, and workshops. These events provide an opportunity for individuals to learn about environmental conservation significance within the region. Community involvement is crucial in any social initiative as it builds trust, fosters accountability, and strengthens the partnership between the community and the stakeholders involved in the project.

Increasing the health and well-being of the local community is another social benefit of the project. The restoration of the natural environment is expected to bring about a reduction in environmental hazards and improved air and water quality. Studies by Turner-Skoff and Cavender, (2019) and Husk et al, (2016) show high levels of perceived benefit to participants on human health from trees reducing pollution. For instance, the regeneration of green cover would imitate forest-like conditions, which would improve air quality, reduce dust and noise pollution, and lower temperatures in the region, leading to an improvement in the overall health and well-being of the local communities. The increased green cover is also expected to provide a space for recreational activities such as walking, hiking, cycling, bird watching, and other outdoor activities that can lead to improved mental health and well-being (Department of Environmental Protection, 2018).

Another significant social benefit of the project is cultural appreciation, particularly of Aboriginal culture. The reforestation plan focuses on restoring the land to its natural state, re-establishing vegetation cover, and reconnecting the waterways, which aligns with Indigenous land management (Department of Environmental Protection, 2018). Indigenous communities were engaged to conserve and preserve their Aboriginal Heritage Sites within the project area (Climate Active, 2020; Carbon Positive Australia, 2020). Their involvement in the project created an opportunity for others to learn about and participate in Indigenous culture and heritage. Which is integral to the region's history. This cultural education is essential in promoting diversity and appreciation of other cultures, which foster social cohesion and create a sense of belonging to the community (Lamb et al., 2018). The community engagement program also includes community meetings, farm walks, field days, and workshops aimed at providing community members with information on the significance of ecological restoration and habitat connectivity initiatives (Carbon Positive Australia, 2020).

Furthermore, the project promotes social sustainability by preserving cultural heritage and linking the landscape to Aboriginal communities. There are significant ties between Aboriginal communities in the Wheatbelt region and the land and biodiversity, as well as cultural traditions, identity, and practices, including bush tucker, medicine, and fire management practices (Latz, 1996; Rose et al., 2011). For instance, significant cultural heritage sites are preserved to promote heritage and spiritual connection among indigenous communities (Carbon Positive Australia, 2020). Moreover, this aligns with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (2013), which protects and manages sites of significance. Using this method, scientists are involving local Aboriginal communities in research that aims to better understand cultural values that bind Indigenous people to their land. In the project, indigenous people are involved in the planning and implementation of cultural heritage conservation, assisting in the revitalization of Indigenous communities.

In addition to the benefits mentioned earlier, the reforestation project has also created new economic opportunities. These opportunities reduce unemployment rates and poverty levels in the region. Conservation areas and plantations offer employment and skills development opportunities (Carbon Positive Australia, 2020). Through employment opportunities and skills development, 43 full-time jobs, such as site restoration crews, nursery staff, and weed control units were created of which 9 positions were given to the indigenous community (Climate Active, 2020; Carbon Positive Australia, 2020). In addition, small contracts were awarded to more than 80 small-medium enterprises to provide goods and services (Carbon Positive Australia, 2020). Such initiatives provide opportunities for economic growth, leading to rural development and the creation of sustainable livelihoods, including from tourisms. In addition, they promote social inclusion in ecological conservation.

Finally, the project benefits social sustainability by fostering cross-sector collaboration and promoting effective governance. The project's success is made possible through effective governance among multiple stakeholders, including the government, international conservation networks, researchers, farmers, and the community. Such multi-stakeholder collaborations ensure that the project's design encompasses social sustainability principles, such as long-term monitoring, adaptive management, and broad stakeholder participation. Moreover, such collaborations encourage efficient resource allocation and expertise sharing across various sectors, leading to cost-efficient and value-added program execution.

The project is clearly aligned with the ESD principle of social sustainability. Social sustainability involves ensuring that present and future generations enjoy equitable access to social, political, and economic resources (Lele & Norgaard, 2005). Indeed, the project's design enabled ecologically sustainable development while maintaining societal, economic, and environmental goals. The implementation of the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor project positively impacted the community well-being of the surrounding communities. The project created job opportunities for community members, improving their socioeconomic status (Centre for Ecosystem Management, 2019). Additionally, the project facilitated education and awareness programs about the significance of Western Australian biodiversity, increasing the appreciation and knowledge of the community (Centre for Ecosystem Management, 2019). Lastly, effective governance and multi-stakeholder collaborations ensure effective program execution with inclusive decision-making, promoting cross-sector networking and fostering environmental justice.

Review of economic sustainability benefits

The Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Conservation project, initiated in 2008, is an excellent example of how conservation efforts can help achieve economic sustainability, including by supporting commercial farming activities by creating employment opportunities.

One of the aims of the project is to ensure ecological sustainability without compromising commercial farming activities. This aligns with the Western Australia state government working in collaboration with the local government and communities to ensure community and region resilience (Western Australia Climate Policy, 2020). The project promotes sustainable farming management practices, such as crop rotation, minimum tillage, and native grasses to improve soil fertility, crop yield, and water supply quality and linking ecological and economic sustainability. Improvement in soil fertility and crop yield leads to higher economic returns for farmers, the local community and the region at large. The benefits include increased agricultural productivity, increased property values, and reduced environmental degradation costs. While the biodiversity value of the entire rejuvenated project area has been estimated to be potentially be more than $60M (Carbon Positive Australia, 2020), further research is needed to establish the cost-benefit of soil organic carbon level, including available nutrient accumulation and water quality.

The project has resulted in more than 400 labor-intensive employment activities in ecological restoration works, such as fencing, tree planting, and landscaping. Over 50 Indigenous jobs have been created and 80 businesses have been engaged most using local labor and suppliers. More than $8 million AUD has been invested in the community, supporting 140 local businesses in all (Carbon Positive Australia, 2020). In addition, a report released by the Department of Environmental Protection predicts that the reforestation project will create 270 jobs annually (Department of Environmental Protection, 2018). The project clearly plays a significant role in economically revitalizing the rural towns and communities around it.

Another economic benefit of the project is the potential for increased tourism in the region. The project contributes to the region's attractiveness by restoring and preserving local biodiversity, including healthy ecosystems, habitats, and wildlife. Visitors could include bird watchers, nature enthusiasts, and others who are interested in seeing the reforestation project progress. Furthermore, conservation initiatives foster cultural heritage preservation, including indigenous cultures and traditional practices that attract tourists. According to the Department of Environmental Protection report, increased tourism activity from the reforestation project is projected to generate $16 million in revenue activity per year (Department of Environmental Protection, 2018).

The project is also expected to provide economic benefits through carbon sequestration. The trees planted in the reforestation project are expected to sequester around 150,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually (Carbon Neutral, 2022). Being Australia’s first premium Gold Standard-certified project, it will remove 1.059 million tonnes of CO2-e from the atmosphere over 50 years (Climate Active, 2020; Carbon Positive Australia, 2020). Carbon credits can be sold on the market, providing an additional source of income for landowners and other stakeholders involved in the project. This can help offset some of the project costs, making it more financially viable.

The project's sustainability features align with the ESD principle of economic sustainability. Economic sustainability involves ensuring that growth and development meet the present generation's needs without jeopardizing the future generation's ability to fulfill their needs (Elkington, 2013). The project implementation is economically sustainable as it initiates an economic transformation in the region. The project promotes commercial farming activities that consider ecological, social, and economic objectives, leading to profitable returns. The program's collaborative and inclusive approach to community engagement and employment opportunities enhances local economic growth, leading to sustainable livelihoods for rural communities, created jobs and expanding the local economy (Centre for Ecosystem Management, 2019). Overall, the project serves as an exemplary approach to environmental conservation, economic growth, and social inclusion with valuable insights relevant to similar programs worldwide.

Alignment with the environmental laws

The sustainability features of the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor project align with environmental law, ensuring the project complies. The federal and state governments administer the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), the National Biodiversity Strategy, and the National Landcare Program, which aim to promote the conservation of biodiversity in a sustainable and cost-effective way (Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment, 2018). The project aligns with the National Landcare Program's objectives, promoting sustainable land management practices and natural resource protection. The project adheres to the EPBC Act as stakeholders ensured that the project did not have any adverse impacts on the environment, and biodiversity was conserved (Centre for Ecosystem Management, 2019).

Additionally, the project aligns with Western Australia's environmental protection policies, in particular the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. The project complies with the Environmental Protection Act objectives, which include preventing, controlling, and managing environmental pollution and environmental harm. The project also aligns with the objectives of the Biodiversity Conservation Act. This aims to conserve and enhance Western Australia's biodiversity, protecting priority ecosystems and species.

Potential deficiencies of the project

In the event of restoring degraded land into a natural ecosystem, the project is expected to provide economic, social, and environmental benefits. These benefits are crucial for the well-being of local communities and the broader region. However, there are also potential deficiencies to be considered.

One potential deficiency of the project is the potential for unintended ecological consequences. The reforestation of the area could lead to changes in the water balance. This could threaten wetlands or other ecosystems that rely on water level fluctuations. The planting of a single species of trees in the project could create monoculture forests, which could impact local wildlife and biodiversity negatively. Therefore, adequate environmental impact assessments should be conducted to understand the ecological implications of the reforestation plan (Lamb et al., 2018).

Another potential deficiency of the project is the potential for social and cultural impacts. It involves the restoration of the land to its natural state, which could have an impact on the local industries, particularly agriculture. The project could convert farmland into natural ecosystems, which could generate income from eco-tourism and carbon credits but could lead to local farmers losing income. The involvement of Indigenous communities in the project may not necessarily be straightforward. Therefore, involving and working with the local communities to identify their needs and priorities in the context of the reforestation plan is essential for ensuring the sustainability of the project (Lechner, 2020).

A further potential deficiency of the project is the availability of resources. The reforestation plan is an ambitious undertaking that requires significant resources, such as funding, labor, and materials. The provision of adequate resources is critical to ensuring the project succeeds in achieving its goals. Lack of resources can affect the quality and scale of the project, and this could jeopardize its effectiveness. Adequate funding and resource allocation are paramount to the initiative's success (Department of Environmental Protection, 2018).

Public support could be another potential deficiency of the project. Although the project has the potential to generate numerous benefits, community support can be low if there is not sufficient community understanding or awareness of the benefits that the project could deliver. Failure to gain public support may lead to farmers' resistance to participating in the project. This could significantly limit the project’s reach and success. Involving the public and stakeholders in the project and creating awareness campaigns is crucial to gain public support (Lechner, 2020).

Finally, climate change is a significant challenge that could impact the project’s success. Climate change can cause more prolonged and severe droughts, which can negatively affect tree establishment and growth in the reforestation project. Additionally, extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, bushfires, and floods, could also pose challenges to the project. Therefore, it is essential to consider the potential impact of climate change on the project and take appropriate measures to mitigate these risks (Lamb et al., 2018).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor reforestation project in Western Australia offers numerous environmental, social and economic benefits. Despite some potential deficiencies that could impede the project's success. Reforestation will help mitigate erosion, improve water quality and the water cycle, and offset greenhouse gas emissions, including promote biodiversity, ecological integrity, and ecosystem services, and play a crucial role in wildlife conservation. The project will contribute to mitigating the global ecological crisis. It is an essential investment in promoting environmental sustainability, and is a positive example of a broader approach to land conservation and management.?

Community involvement, improved health and well-being, cultural appreciation, and opportunities for economic opportunities are some of the potential social benefits the project is providing. Inclusion of the land owners and Indigenous communities will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility over the revegetated land will ensure long-term sustainability and success.

Economic benefits include new job creation, increased tourism activity, and carbon sequestration. The project is also anticipated to provide a range of environmental benefits which themselves lead to long-term economic benefits.

More importantly, the project's sustainability features align with ESD principles and environmental law. The project adheres to ESD principles of environmental. Social and economic sustainability. It conserves natural resources, positively impacting social well-being, and initiating economic transformation in the region. The project also complies with environmental law, ensuring no adverse environmental impact and conserving biodiversity. The project's implementation has positively contributed to Western Australian biodiversity and benefited the surrounding communities.

However, the potential deficiencies include the possibility of unintended ecological consequences, social and cultural impacts, resource constraints, limited public support, and climate change effects. Identifying these deficiencies is essential in developing strategies to mitigate potential risks and challenges and ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the initiative.

The Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor Project is a clear example of how ecological sustainability and economic development can coexist. The project's alignment with ESD principles and Australia's environmental protection laws and policies demonstrates its commitment to long-term biodiversity conservation, environmentally-friendly land management practices, and community engagement. The project provides a valuable model for sustainable resource management, leading to sustainable economic development and long-term community benefits for current and future generations.

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