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BIODIVERSITY

Why Does it Matter

Biodiversity is the very fabric of the Earth. It is diversity in plants and animals that enables ecosystems to function. Yet, one eighth of the world’s species – more than a million – are threatened with extinction.

In Australia, we are renowned for our unique wildlife with more than 70% of our species (69% of mammals, 94% of amphibians, 46% of birds and 93% of reptiles) found nowhere else on earth. But, we also have the highest rate of vertebrate mammal extinction in the world.

The greatest threats facing our plants and animals are changes in land and sea use; direct exploitation of organisms; climate change; pollution; and invasion of alien species.

Earthwatch is working with scientists and communities to understand the declines and how we might all take part in reversing them, so that we can live in balance with nature.

How is Earthwatch Making a Difference?

Bush Blitz

Bush Blitz is Australia’s largest nature discovery project – a unique multi-million-dollar partnership between the Australian Government, BHP and Earthwatch Australia. Earthwatch places BHP employees, along with Australian primary and secondary STEM and geography teachers, as research assistants on Bush Blitz expeditions.

Access our Teacher Blogs to find out more.

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Tiny Forests

Tiny Forests are dense native forests about the size of a tennis court. Using an effective planting method involving soil enrichment and a dense planting structure, Tiny Forests grow up to 10 times faster than traditional forests and become up to 100 times more biodiverse than monoculture forests. 

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Get involved

You can get involved through our many projects aimed at conserving key areas and furthering research.

TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE

Rainforest Revival in Costa Rica

Join scientists in the Osa Peninsula to revitalize one of Central America's most biodiverse regions. Participate in pioneering research to study wildlife and restore this vital ecosystem.

This critical work supports the forest's role in sequestering carbon, minimizing erosion, and enhancing water quality, which are vital for local communities and the fight against climate change.

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STUDENT CHALLENGE

Eco Systems of the Murray River and Mallee

Calperum Station, a transformed pastoral region, has been undergoing substantial social, economic and environmental change over the past 100 years. The station provides an excellent opportunity to study ways in which to best manage changes in semi-arid and arid systems. Working with Australian Landscape Trust, teams from corporate, student and teacher backgrounds partake in research focused on carbon, water and biodiversity responses to the changing land use.

Join our Student Challenge

Our Biodiversity Programs