CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAM
The #BlueCarbonArmy is a citizen science program and immersive experience aimed at educating community members into the value of coastal wetlands, while contributing to Blue Carbon research.
The Wetland Magic
Coastal wetlands – mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrasses – are collectively known as ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems. They act as natural carbon sinks, effectively reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide and mitigating climate change.
Blue carbon systems can drawdown carbon 30-50 times faster than terrestrial forests and lock it away in the soil for centuries to millennia. They also enhance biodiversity (eg. migratory birds, endangered frogs), support fisheries,provide ecotourism revenues and protect our coast against erosion and extreme weather events.
Australia is home to one of the world’s richest blue carbon stores. However, challenged with unprecedented degradation, an increase in pressure from exponential growth of the human population, and climate change, wetland ecosystems and the services they provide are at risk.
The Challanges
WETLAND DEGRADATION
Global wetlands have declined by 64-71% since 1900. When degraded, coastal wetlands stop capturing carbon and can become significant sources of greenhouse gases.
CARBON EMISSIONS & CLIMATE CHANGE
Globally 38.2 billion tonnes of CO2 are pumped every year into the atmosphere. These are fueling climate change, sea level rise, and extreme weather events that threaten people and nature.
LACK OF CONNECTION TO NATURE
People have lost their connection with nature, have limited understanding of climate change science and lack awareness of the power of coastal wetlands.
Updates from the field
