1 September 2010

Students from Reef Guardian Schools across the Townsville region will take part in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's "Sustaining Biodiversity" Future Leaders Eco Challenge tomorrow, hosted in partnership with NQ Dry Tropics, to celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity and the Education Queensland Year of Sustainability.

Reef Guardian Schools Program Manager Megan Sperring said this year's Future Leaders Eco Challenge encouraged students to become wetland ecologists by combining workshop style catchment-based activities and investigative science to predict, observe and explain the ecosystem's health.

"Students and teachers will explore the biodiversity of the Loam Island wetland ecosystem and look at what is there, why it is important, and who is responsible for looking after it," she said.

"The activity has been designed to challenge students and teachers to understand linkages between ecosystems, sustainability and water quality for a greater understanding of the role that wetland's play in the Great Barrier Reef catchment area and the Reef's current and future resilience.

"Over 100 students and teachers from 40 schools will explore the ecosystem through activities such as GPS weed mapping, water quality testing and exploring plant biodiversity.

"They'll be ably assisted by participants from a number of groups including the Townsville Region Bird Observers Club, the Museum of Tropical Queensland, Townsville City Council and Greening Australia."

NQ Dry Tropics Community and Engagement Manager, Judy Warner, said the activity was a great way for students to learn about current issues facing their local environment.

“Wetlands are critical ecosystems. They provide habitat for fish and other animals, drinking water, and a natural filtration system for the water entering the sea.

“Everyone has a role to play in looking after wetlands and it’s great that the students will get an up close and personal experience with one of their local wetlands.”

 Ms Sperring said seven of the 15  Future Leaders Eco Challenges have now been completed with over 400 participants from  51 schools taking part in the events.

"A  key objective of the Reef Guardian Schools program is to create awareness, understanding and appreciation for the Reef and connected ecosystems.

"It is designed to empower students and give them a sense of involvement in the bigger picture and the belief that they really can make a positive difference."

The Reef Guardian Schools program is an initiative of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and, in the Burdekin region, it is run in partnership with the natural resource management group NQ Dry Tropics.

Ends...