Escape to Nature

03 April 2009

Rio Tinto Naturescape will be a highly interactive environmental discovery area, where children can connect with nature, right in the heart of Perth. Established in the six hectare Arboretum in Kings Park, Rio Tinto Naturescape will provide a range of tactile experiences for children and their families to connect with nature.

Over recent years, studies have found that children are not experiencing nature in as meaningful ways as generations gone by. Without this ability to interact freely with nature, children’s appreciation for the environment and the importance of conserving and protecting it becomes less of a focus.

With the establishment of Rio Tinto Naturescape, we hope we can reverse some of these trends and provide a safe space for Western Australian children and their families to connect with and learn from the environment.

For Rio Tinto, the project provides another great opportunity to give back to the community beyond the economic contribution of our business and will be an iconic project that will be enjoyed by Western Australians for years to come.

Rio Tinto Naturescape will represent our largest community investment in Western Australia with Rio Tinto providing nearly $9 million in funding to the project over the next 14 years. Design work is currently underway with construction due to be completed in late 2010.