Earthwatch Australia Impact Report 2024

EARTHWATCH AUSTRALIA

IMPACT REPORT 2024

Contact

Copyright info

Earthwatch Institute Australia T (03) 9016 7590 E earth@earthwatch.org.au W earthwatch.org.au Suite G–06, 60 Leicester St Carlton VIC 3053

Copyright © Earthwatch Institute This work is copyrighted. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior permission from Earthwatch Institute.

Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed by email to earth@earthwatch.org.au.

ABN 25 875 253 851

Photos: (c) Jose Freyre: Page 1, 2, 3, 9 @EarthwatchAustralia @earthwatch_aus @EarthwatchInstituteAustralia @earthwatch_aus @EarthwatchAustralia

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure this publication is free from error and/or omission at the date of publication. The authors and any person involved in preparing this publication take no responsibility for loss occasioned to any person or organisation acting or refraining from action as a result of information contained in this publication. Information contained in this report is accurate as at 30 December 2024, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Earthwatch Australia | Impact Report 2024

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Earthwatch Australia | Impact Report 2024

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OUR

WORK

Our work champions impactful research, on-ground action, and education across key environmental areas, including Education, Climate & Biodiversity, Coastal Wetlands & Reefs, Scientific Expeditions, and nation-scale Citizen Science programming.

Central to our approach is citizen science, where people from all walks of life gather critical scientific data to generate environmental insights, inform future policy, and drive long-term behaviour change.

By empowering people to save the natural world (our mission), we are working towards society that lives in balance with nature (our vision).

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Our Mission To empower people to save the natural world.

Our Vision Working together to create a society that lives in balance with nature

Our sincere thanks to our generous funders from across sectors: Amcor, BHP, Brother International, Bupa Foundation, CAFNEC, CLCAC, George Alexander Foundation, Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Gidarjil Corporation, IUCN, Limestone Landcare Trust, Mitsubishi Corporation, Parks Victoria, Positive Change For Marine Life, Ports of Townsville, Sunshine Coast Council, Swarovski Foundation, Telstra Foundation, Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation and Yuku Baja Muliku Land Trust.

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At a glance

IMPACT 2024 Increasing scientific knowledge People power

78%

Delivered

126

35,347 hours of citizen science & learning

programs engage participants in hands-on upskilling in nature that directly conserves, restores, and enhances ecosystem services

scientific expeditions, training sessions, & community workshops

Saving our unique species

44

2036 rolling total of new species identified to science across 51 Bush Blitz Expeditions (2010-2024)

Developing Environmental Leaders

Tropical saltmarshes surveyed tropical saltmarsh is not formally recognised as a threatened ecological community, due to a lack of data.

Leaders across the lifespan

119

Indigenous Land & Sea Rangers engaged in MangroveWatch

14

from different Traditional Owner Groups

5089

children, young adults, workers, business owners care givers, & retirees participating in Earthwatch programs

Engaging underserved communities

73%

65%

of projects dellivered in marginalised, regional & remote areas

of projects incorporating First Nations learnings

Changing practices for positive environmental outcomes Environmental action projects

Protecting Wetlands for the future

implemented as a direct result of participation in Earthwatch programs

hectares of wetlands and saltmarsh actively stewarded by local communities

267

118,322

341kg

2,267

Earthwatch Australia | Impact Report 2024

of sea-weed removed from The Great Barrier Reef to restore degraded coral reefs.

trees and shrubs planted in Tiny Forests from critically endangered and threatened ecological communities

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New Program Impact: Youth Development in 2024 The Agents of Change for the Environment (ACE) Youth Development Program, supported by the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF), has made a significant impact on the personal development of young people across Regional Communities in Australia.

Through a combination of hands-on expeditions, mentorship, citizen science training, and community engagement, ACE has enabled 26 young environmental leaders to develop the confidence and capability to create lasting change in their communities.

Key highlights of the program include: Activation of Three Rural Hubs: Earthwatch mobilized and trained 26 young environmental leaders in rural hubs, providing them with the skills and resources to become local champions for environmental sustainability.

Strong Community & Partner Networks: These young leaders were connected with a wide range of environmental partners, from local Indigenous knowledge holders, such as the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Council, Djiriba waagura and Worimi, to leading Citizen Science initiatives including Mangrovewatch, Ausmap, and Tangaroa Blue. National Parks, Local Councils, NSW

threatened species team and Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are a few of the other organisations we linked in. This extensive network has helped strengthen their impact and amplify their voices in addressing environmental issues.

Environmental Action Projects: 24 youth-led action projects were delivered, addressing real-world environmental challenges.

These projects have not only had a positive impact on the environment but have also allowed the participants to apply their learning and create tangible change in their communities.

Career Pathways & Internships: The program also facilitated 13 internships in environmental roles, giving participants invaluable experience and opening doors to career opportunities in the field of environmental science, conservation, and sustainability.

As the program continues to evolve, we are excited to see how these young leaders will shape the future of environmental action in Australia and beyond. It's a powerful reminder that investing in youth development is one of the most impactful ways to address the complex challenges of our time.

Together, we are building a more sustainable and equitable future, one young leader at a time.

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Our Financials 2 1 2% 1%

4 4%

3 2 3% 2%

3 3%

7 7%

1 1%

15 15% 27 27%

17 17%

71 71%

46 46%

FY24 Revenue $2,294,849

FY24 Expenses $2,295,907

Corporates

Environmental Programs & Education

Trusts & Foundations

Salaries

Other Partners (Aboriginal Corporations, eNGOs etc)

Operational Costs

Expedition Sales

Expedition Delivery

Donations & Supporters

In-kind

Government

Advertising & Fundraising

Other (Including interest) In-kind services

Balance Sheet As of 30 September 2024

Assets

Account

30 Sept 2024

Total Bank

$2,208,227.27

Total Current Assests

$169,429.16

Total Fixed Assets

$21,204.47

Total Non-current Assets

$54,044.42

Total Assets

$2,452,905.32

Total Current Liabilities

$1,937,409.47

Total Non-current Liabilities Liabilities

Total Liabilities

$1,952,234.69

________________________

________________

Net Assets

Equity

$14,825.22

$500,670.63

Current Year Earnings

-$1,057.92

Retained Surplus

$501,728.55

Total Equity

$500,670.63

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Message from the

CHAIR

In what at times feels like an incomprehensible world, we often overlook the progress we have made and the amazing things that are achieved in the world of conservation. As Chair of the Earthwatch Institute over the last 9 years I have been immensely proud to witness the incredible impact we have made as an organisation. Our dedicated team and passionate volunteers have worked tirelessly to protect and preserve critical ecosystems and by collaborating with scientists and engaging communities, we continue deepening our collective understanding of nature and the urgent challenges it faces.

I have learnt so much from my time as Chair and my engagement with Earthwatch has inspired me to find new ways to achieve positive change and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. It has been a privilege to serve on the Board and I want to thank you all for your unwavering support and commitment to our mission. Let us continue to champion the Earth and provide a voice for the voiceless.

Mat Nelson, Director of the Board (2016-2025)

Message from the

CEO

I have had the honour to work with out-going Chair Mat Nelson since 2019, and thank him sincerely for his service to Earthwatch and our mission: to empower people to save the natural world. Always a champion of our global scientific expeditions and a personal advocate of my vision for Earthwatch, Mat is also one of our loyal and generous donors. Sincere thanks also goes to the Earthwatch team, new Directors and those retiring, to our donors and funders, and to our Earthwatch participants and volunteers.

Working together is a joy and inspires us to achieve our best, as demonstrated in this report. I’m looking forward to 2025, as nature needs us now, more than ever.

Fiona Sutton Wilson, CEO

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