09/06/2026
We’re pleased to share that the Earthwatch Australia MangroveWatch program in Townsville has been recognised with a Townsville City Council Sustainability Appreciation Award at EcoFiesta 2026 🎉
This award reflects the collective contribution of volunteers, Traditional Owners, ranger groups, schools, community organisations and research partners who underpin long-term coastal wetland monitoring efforts across the region, alongside the leadership of Earthwatch Program Manager (Wetlands, Coastal & Marine Environments), Lucía Caldas Durán.
Over the past two years, more than 200 participants from Townsville and Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) have engaged in MangroveWatch monitoring activities. In 2026 alone, 42 community scientists contributed 85 Saltmarsh SAVER surveys.
Earthwatch partners with MangroveWatch and wetlands researchers, building the capacity of citizen scientists and Indigenous Rangers to monitor the condition and health of wetlands and translate that knowledge to protect these unique ecosystems. Citizen science plays a critical role in extending environmental monitoring capacity, strengthening local ecological knowledge, and improving responsiveness to environmental change in coastal systems.
A big thank you to the many volunteers, organisations and partners supporting this work, including Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation, Wulgurukaba Leadership Group, Port of Townsville Ltd, Healthy Waters Partnership for the Dry Tropics, Canoe Projects, North Queensland Conservation Council, Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc. and NQ Dry Tropics.
Want to get involved? Join one of our upcoming saltmarsh survey events and register via: https://buff.ly/88MVALv
Upcoming dates:
Saltmarsh Survey: Bluewater Round 2
📅 Saturday 13 June
Saltmarsh Survey: Oonoonba Round 2
📅 Sunday 14 June
This program is delivered in partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and the Australian Government through the Yunbenun Magnetic Island Townsville Coastal Stewardship Project, with additional support from the Port of Townsville.
Barrier Reef Foundation