Over 70 participants from 13 Reef Guardian Schools in the Townsville 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 conducting a biodiversity audit and learning about alternative energy sources at the Townsville City Council's Rose Bay Sustainability Precinct.

"This will be followed by students participating in activities on the importance of wetlands and fish passageways and identifying wetland birds at the Townsville Town Common."

Councillor Vern Veitch said as a Reef Guardian Council they were delighted to support the Future Leaders Eco Challenge.

"Wetlands are a vital ecosystem and home to many species of birds, fish and other animals," Cr Veitch said.

"This event will give students an opportunity to learn about how they can help maintain ecosystem biodiversity and the future health of wetlands such as the Townsville Town Common and by doing so help the Great Barrier Reef."

The Townsville Future Leaders Eco Challenge is supported by Townsville City Council, NQ Dry Tropics, Townsville Region Bird Observers Club, Paluma Environmental Education Centre and WetlandCare Australia.