Reef Guardian teachers in Mackay will meet with local environmental partners today to discuss how they can join forces to help protect the environment and the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Reef Guardian Schools Acting Program Manager Carolyn Luder said the Reef Guardian Networking Meeting gave teachers and partners the chance to gain access to resources, people power and information.

"The event will provide one-on-one networking opportunities to share resources, knowledge and environmental opportunities in 2012," she said.

The event brings together staff from local schools and representatives from environmental partners including Mackay Botanical Gardens, Pioneer Catchment & Landcare Group, Reef Catchments Limited, Canegrowers, Conservation Volunteers Australia and local cane farmers.

Ms Luder said participants would workshop solutions to current environmental issues in the region.

"Reef Guardian Networking Meetings are held annually throughout the Great Barrier Reef catchment and have proven to be highly successful in establishing lasting community partnerships," she said.

"This is the last of fifteen networking meetings held across Queensland this year."
Reef Guardian Schools is an environmental education program run by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Over 285 schools are contributing to the protection of the Reef and the connected ecosystems it relies on to be healthy through the Reef Guardian stewardship program.