The Earth's Kidneys

For many of us living in urban areas, wetlands are often seen simply as scenic spots for wildlife, plants, and the occasional camping trip. But beyond these beautiful benefits, wetlands are some of the most overlooked yet vital ecosystems on the planet, playing a crucial role in our ecosystem.

Wetlands are unique ecosystems with land areas permanently or seasonally covered or saturated by water. It can be freshwater, brackish or saltwater from various sources such as groundwater, rivers, lakes, and coastlines. Wetlands come in distinguishable forms, including marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens. Every continent except Antarctica has the appearance of wetlands, even under different climates. There are 67 Ramsar wetlands in Australia, with 12 in Victoria.

Wetland delivers diverse and valuable functions to our ecosystem, including but not limited to water purification, flood control and shoreline stabilization. One highlight function of wetlands is their ability to process and break down carbon and pollutants. According to the Ramsar Scientific and Technical Review Panel, wetlands store 35% of terrestrial carbon with approximately 6% of the Earth's surface. In addition, the distinct characteristics of wetlands create a reservoir of biodiversity and support many plants and animals. Nearly 40% of the world's plant and animal species, including 30% of all known fish species, live or breed in wetlands.

Through our partnership with MangroveWatch and wetlands researchers across Australia and New Zealand, Earthwatch is helping protect some of our most threatened tidal wetlands—including mangroves, saltmarshes, and seagrasses.
Together, we are:

• Empowering citizen scientists and Indigenous Rangers to monitor wetland health
• Building local capacity to collect and share meaningful ecological data
• Turning science into action to conserve and restore these critical ecosystems
• By connecting communities with science, we're translating knowledge into real-world impact—and helping to safeguard wetlands for future generations.

In 2024, Earthwatch proudly expanded the MangroveWatch reach, launched the program across Mackay and Townsville. This marked a significant step forward in wetlands monitoring and the conservation of Australia's coastal ecosystems. The two new sites are part of a growing national network safeguarding mangroves.

In MangroveWatch Mackay 2024, we surveyed two estuaries and nine saltmarsh sites, monitoring 56 kilometres of shoreline with the assistance of 43 engaged community members. In our MangroveWatch Townsville & Magnetic Island 2024, we surveyed four estuaries and eight saltmarsh sites, monitoring 64 kilometres of shoreline with the support of 80 engaged community members.

Together, we're shaping a future where science and community action go hand in hand to protect our shores.

Looking to make a difference in 2025? Join our free community events and get involved in the Townsville Local Action Plan (LAP) Workshop. Register for one of our upcoming events today: