18/05/2026
Great to see such strong local interest in the mangrove and saltmarsh coastal wetlands of the Barwon Estuary during the recent ‘Meander along the Mangroves’ event as part of the Barwon Heads Arts Council Inc. Mangroves from the Water exhibition supported by Corangamite Catchment Management Authority
The Barwon Estuary’s coastal wetlands are iconic local ecosystems that protect shorelines from erosion, filter pollution from the waterway, support fish and bird life, store blue carbon and help buffer the impacts of climate change and sea level rise. The huge turnout showed just how much these wetlands matter to the community.
But these systems are under increasing pressure from stormwater pollution, altered freshwater flows, uncontrolled access, boat wash and rising seas. Long-term protection will depend on strong local stewardship and people getting involved in caring for these places.
One of the most encouraging things from the event was seeing the passion, knowledge and enthusiasm already present within the community. That kind of grassroots stewardship is exactly what’s needed to support resilient coastal ecosystems and real conservation outcomes.
We’re now looking for opportunities to kick start the MangroveWatch citizen science program in the Barwon Estuary to help turn that local passion into long-term monitoring and community-led conservation action. Communities protecting the places they love is where real change starts.
