Restore our Iconic Landscapes

WHY IT MATTERS

Over the last 50 years, the human population has more than doubled and is expected to increase by approximately 2 billion in the next 30 years. Consequently the demand on our planet for food, energy, clean water and raw materials is becoming significantly high. Different ecosystems provide us with these essential services and it’s critical to maintain each of them if society is to continue existing as we know it.

But our global ecosystems are in decline, with 75% of land surfaces already significantly altered, 66% of the ocean area experiencing increasing cumulative damaging impacts, and over 85% of wetlands (area) have been lost.

For terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, land-use change has been a key driver for degradation. Biodiversity loss is compounding the impact. Biological diversity plays a critical role in maintaining ecosystems and the more species we lose, the less chance we have of restoring these landscapes.

Our programs build awareness and evidence of the interconnectedness between biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services, and the value nature provides to sustaining our livelihoods.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Bush Blitz

Over 75% of Australia’s biodiversity is still unknown to science. Given the significant role it plays in enabling healthy functioning ecosystems, it is critical we fill this knowledge gap. Working in partnership with BHP and the Australian Government, we are undertaking the largest nationwide biodiversity study. Working closely with land managers, we translate this information into on-ground action, improving our ability to manage and preserve its iconic landscapes.

CASE STUDY

Ecosystems of the Murray River and Mallee

Calperum Station, a transformed pastoral region, has been undergoing substantial social, economic and environmental change over the past 100 years. The station provides an excellent opportunity to study ways in which to best manage changes in semi-arid and arid systems. Working with Australian Landscape Trust, teams from corporate, student and teacher backgrounds partake in research focused on carbon, water and biodiversity responses to the changing land use.

Participate in an expedition
Include into your curriculum
Engage your staff
Partner with us
Donate to research

Latest

Workshops

Focusing on two areas, Climate Action and Wetlands, your school can host workshops with Earthwatch program managers.
ClimateWatch

ClimateWatch is a program that aims to understand how changes in temperature and rainfall are affecting the seasonal behaviour of Australia's plants and animals by monitoring changes in flowering times, breeding cycles and migration movement. Simply by snapping a photo in your backyard or local area, ClimateWatch gives every Australian the opportunity to get involved in collecting and recording data that will help shape the country’s scientific response to climate change.
Tiny Forests

Urban forests play a critical role in maintaining the health and liveability of cities, increasing a city's resilience. Earthwatch Australia is partnering with researchers and social enterprises across Australia to deliver tiny forests, an accelerated and intensive planting process to bring biodiversity back into our cities.
Wetlands not Wastelands

In partnership with Coca Cola Australia Foundation, the Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, and Plastic Collective, Earthwatch provides training to 20 CLCAC Indigenous Land and Environment Rangers and 30 community volunteers to help deliver a first-of-its-kind marine pollution and wetland management program in the Lower Gulf of Carpentaria.

Why It Matters

The global climate crisis is the most pressing environmental challenge humanity now faces. Earthwatch can help you be a part of the solution and together we can keep ahead of climate change.
Protect our Unique Wildlife

Australia is renowned for its unique wildlife, with more than 70% of our species found nowhere else on earth. We can stop the decline of our wildlife by helping people reconnect with nature.
Save the Reef and Oceans

From biodiversity and food supply to the livelihoods of millions, so much depends on our oceans. Coral reefs are home to one quarter of all life in the oceans, and provide humans with immense benefits such as coastal protection, fisheries, and tourism.

Save the Reef and Oceans

From biodiversity and food supply to the livelihoods of millions, so much depends on our oceans. Coral reefs are home to one quarter of all life in the oceans, and provide humans with immense benefits such as coastal protection, fisheries, and tourism.
Global Impact

Earthwatch is committed globally to inspiring action for a net positive impact on the environment.
Plastic Pollution Solutions

By 2050 it is predicted there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. We need to act now to stop plastics entering our oceans and we can't do it without your support.
Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef

Help Earthwatch scientists in active recovery efforts on and around Magnetic Island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Why It Matters

The global climate crisis is the most pressing environmental challenge humanity now faces. Earthwatch can help you be a part of the solution and together we can keep ahead of climate change.
Protect our Unique Wildlife

Australia is renowned for its unique wildlife, with more than 70% of our species found nowhere else on earth. We can stop the decline of our wildlife by helping people reconnect with nature.
Save the Bees

Global honey bee populations are decreasing at an alarming rate. To understand and prevent colony collapse, Earthwatch is putting tiny ‘backpacks’ on our bee friends to find out more about them.
Expedition Team Leader

Do you have a passion for science, biodiversity and education? We are looking for an Expedition Team Leader for our Bush Blitz Expedition at Fowlers Bay.
ClimateWatch

ClimateWatch is a program that aims to understand how changes in temperature and rainfall are affecting the seasonal behaviour of Australia's plants and animals by monitoring changes in flowering times, breeding cycles and migration movement. Simply by snapping a photo in your backyard or local area, ClimateWatch gives every Australian the opportunity to get involved in collecting and recording data that will help shape the country’s scientific response to climate change.
Corporate Sustainability

Earthwatch helps businesses understand their environmental impacts, build resilience and demonstrate leadership in sustainability.

WHY IT MATTERS

WHAT WE ARE DOING

WHAT YOU CAN DO