18 February 2009

Students from Wondai State School have been recognised for helping protect the Great Barrier Reef from climate change.

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts Peter Garrett announced late last year that the students were receiving a Reef Guardian School Award for their outstanding environmental efforts.

Wondai State School students have been awarded the ‘Community Connections Award’ for their outstanding sustainability initiatives, the award will be presented by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Regional Liaison Manager, Diane Walker.

“Our Great Barrier Reef is a natural treasure and it is fantastic to recognise future generations helping to protect this great Australian icon.

“Students from Wondai State School are getting their hands dirty to show their communities how easy it is for us all to take action on climate change.

“They are being recognised for their fantastic work.”

The students will receive a thousand dollars for stand out actions such as involvement in a community permaculture project.

Ms Walker said the school was working on a range of environmental initiatives including a ‘sustainable science’ project, construction of mud brick classroom, community working bees, and development of a website showcasing sustainability initiatives.

“Students have participated in forums such as the International Youth Coastal Conference, a biofuels forum, Education Queensland showcase awards for earth charter and a futures festival,” Ms Walker said.

“These students are really showing us what it takes to help protect our Great Barrier Reef and their creative approaches are a great example for our community.”

Actions to protect the Reef are especially important in the face of climate change which is the greatest long-term threats to the Great Barrier Reef.

In order to give the Reef its best possible chance, human pressures must be reduced to ensure it is as healthy as possible to be able to cope with future changes.