Wetland Revival

Wetlands don’t get the credit they deserve.

They are biodiversity bonanzas, shielding coastlines from heavy weather, filtering our waterways and critically, capturing carbon.

That’s right. Wetlands reduce emissions by absorbing carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Freshwater and coastal wetlands capture 34-50% more carbon than forest ecosystems.

Acting as a natural solution to climate change, research conducted by Edith Cowan University found Australian wetlands sequester up to four million cars’ worth of emissions, every year.

Under threat, wetlands are precious and need conserving.

Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) are throwing on their waders to lead the fight. In a long-standing partnership with Chevron Australia that extends over 15 years, the restoration of 10 wetlands across six states is already underway. Chevron has committed over $3.45 million to CVA in support of lower carbon projects.

Researcher and PHD candidate Cristian Salinas takes a carbon core sample at the Beeliar Wetlands, alongside Chevron Environment Specialist Andrew Graham, Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson MP and The Honourable Reece Whitby MLA.

The aptly named ‘Revive Our Wetlands’ initiative will assist to restore and preserve the essential role these often-overlooked areas play.

In addition to targeted conservation interventions, the CVA Revive Our Wetlands program will see activation from multiple points including citizen science events, Aboriginal connection to Country events and habitat restoration activities.

CVA Project Coordinator Yasmin Tulloch-Medigovich launched the initiative in February.

“This year we are launching the Revive Our Wetlands campaign around World Wetlands Day 2022, 2nd February, to recognise and preserve the essential role wetlands can play in our fight against climate change,” she said.

“Together with Chevron Australia, we’re very excited to bring local communities together through the work of our Revive campaign to restore these important ecosystems for the benefit of nature and people.”

Keen to get involved? Right on! Check out CVA’s volunteer page and join a project today.

Just leave your white shoes at home.