Over 50 participants from five Reef Guardian Schools in the Bowen and Collinsville area will make their presence felt in the community tomorrow by participating in projects that will improve the sustainability of their school and community at the 2011 Future Leaders Eco Challenge.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) Reef Guardian Schools Project Officer Carolyn Luder said the Future Leaders Eco Challenge, part of the GBRMPA's Reef Guardian Schools program, encourages students to step up as community leaders in sustainable living and protecting our environment.

"The theme of this year's Future Leaders Eco Challenge is 'working together today, for a healthier Reef tomorrow' and is designed to promote partnerships and relationship building between schools and regional environmental groups," Ms Luder said.

"The day will see students and teachers participating in a number of activities to build their skills and knowledge.

"Activities include exploring creek biodiversity, conducting a waterway health check, native seed collection and learning to identify the difference between weed and native plant species and how to successfully remove weeds.

"This event will give students an opportunity to learn about how they can help maintain ecosystem biodiversity in their local environment and in doing so help improve the health of the Great Barrier Reef."

The Collinsville/ Bowen Future Leaders Eco Challenge is proudly supported by Whitsunday Regional Council, BBIFMAC, NQ Dry Tropics and Xstrata Coal.

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