Impact Report 2023

2023 IMPACT REPORT

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

@EarthwatchAustralia @earthwatch_aus @EarthwatchInstituteAustralia @earthwatch_aus @EarthwatchAustralia

Design: Photos: (c) Earthwatch Australia

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 2023, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Contents 1

Executive Summary

17 Giving at a Glance

3

Focus Areas of Impact

19 Partners

5

Impact at a Glance

21

Acknowledgements

Stories of Impact 7

Walking in step with Traditional Custodians

9

Increasing scientific knowledge to better manage biodiversity

11

Developing environmental leaders & community-led action

13

Empowering corporate social responsibility & climate resilience

15

Planting nature based solutions to urban climate challenges

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

@EarthwatchAustralia @earthwatch_aus @EarthwatchInstituteAustralia @earthwatch_aus @EarthwatchAustralia

Design: Photos: (c) Earthwatch Australia

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 2023, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Contents 1

Executive Summary

17 Giving at a Glance

3

Focus Areas of Impact

19 Partners

5

Impact at a Glance

21

Acknowledgements

Stories of Impact 7

Walking in step with Traditional Custodians

9

Increasing scientific knowledge to better manage biodiversity

11

Developing environmental leaders & community-led action

13

Empowering corporate social responsibility & climate resilience

15

Planting nature based solutions to urban climate challenges

Executive Summary As I reflect on the years’ activities, I am humbled by the extraordinary impact that our staff, participants, Fellows, Traditional Custodians, researchers, and partners have achieved for science, for community and for the environment. Individuals and organisations have stepped up to take evidence-led action to conserve and protect the natural world.

For science and policy, our Principal Investigators have published in prestigious journals, including the Journal of Applied Ecology on coral reef recovery efforts showing that sea-weeded coral reefs make a spectacular recovery and is ready to scale, and in Science, where our consortium letter urges parties to the UN negotiations on a treaty to end plastic pollution to place biodiversity and ecosystems at the forefront of their discussions.

For communities, we are proud that more than 80% of our projects were conducted in marginalised, regional and remote areas of Australia in 2023, and more than 20,000 young people participated in Earthwatch programs.

For the environment, Earthwatch citizen scientists have recorded more than 80,000 species observations, while our biodiversity field work has surveyed land estates in excess of 1.4M hectares (our Federal Government partners establish survey sites that best represent the landscapes whose flora and fauna we document).

Since 2010, 1,923 species new to science have been documented through the Bush Blitz program, with Earthwatch Fellows assisting taxonomists to discover 70 new species in 2023.

Another highlight of 2023 was welcoming new partners who invest in our programs. Thank you to the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation for backing young people in regional Australia through our new program, Agents of Change for the Environment; Brother International, for their support of the Earthwatch mission and Tiny Forests; and Bupa has engaged Earthwatch as a Healthy Cities partner. We thank Brother and Bupa for helping us establish new Tiny Forests and community science programs.

In an era of rapid global change, Earthwatch's mission is vital. We mobilize diverse individuals from different sectors to work with scientists to deliver high impact environmental outcomes. Our citizen science model focusses communities’ efforts to identify the values we want to protect and to observe changes and emerging threats, so we can effectively conserve, protect and restore the ecosystems we rely on using rigorous evidence-based approaches. Yet, our success relies on our donors, partners and volunteer support. Your involvement is crucial, whether you participating in our programs, book expeditions, or you are funders, sponsors and donors. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission.

Our Mission

Our Roots

To empower people to save the natural world.

Earthwatch is an international non-profit, founded in Boston, USA, 1971. Earthwatch pioneered collaboration between scientists, volunteers and communities and continues to drive meaningful behaviour change, with citizen science at its core.

Our Model

Our Vision

Our citizen science model empowers behavioural change, enabling a more sustainable society. Earthwatch participants collect data alongside renowned scientists to drive conservation efforts, sustainable choices, and lifelong environmental stewardship.

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

Executive Summary As I reflect on the years’ activities, I am humbled by the extraordinary impact that our staff, participants, Fellows, Traditional Custodians, researchers, and partners have achieved for science, for community and for the environment. Individuals and organisations have stepped up to take evidence-led action to conserve and protect the natural world.

For science and policy, our Principal Investigators have published in prestigious journals, including the Journal of Applied Ecology on coral reef recovery efforts showing that sea-weeded coral reefs make a spectacular recovery and is ready to scale, and in Science, where our consortium letter urges parties to the UN negotiations on a treaty to end plastic pollution to place biodiversity and ecosystems at the forefront of their discussions.

For communities, we are proud that more than 80% of our projects were conducted in marginalised, regional and remote areas of Australia in 2023, and more than 20,000 young people participated in Earthwatch programs.

For the environment, Earthwatch citizen scientists have recorded more than 80,000 species observations, while our biodiversity field work has surveyed land estates in excess of 1.4M hectares (our Federal Government partners establish survey sites that best represent the landscapes whose flora and fauna we document).

Since 2010, 1,923 species new to science have been documented through the Bush Blitz program, with Earthwatch Fellows assisting taxonomists to discover 70 new species in 2023.

Another highlight of 2023 was welcoming new partners who invest in our programs. Thank you to the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation for backing young people in regional Australia through our new program, Agents of Change for the Environment; Brother International, for their support of the Earthwatch mission and Tiny Forests; and Bupa has engaged Earthwatch as a Healthy Cities partner. We thank Brother and Bupa for helping us establish new Tiny Forests and community science programs.

In an era of rapid global change, Earthwatch's mission is vital. We mobilize diverse individuals from different sectors to work with scientists to deliver high impact environmental outcomes. Our citizen science model focusses communities’ efforts to identify the values we want to protect and to observe changes and emerging threats, so we can effectively conserve, protect and restore the ecosystems we rely on using rigorous evidence-based approaches. Yet, our success relies on our donors, partners and volunteer support. Your involvement is crucial, whether you participating in our programs, book expeditions, or you are funders, sponsors and donors. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission.

Our Mission

Our Roots

To empower people to save the natural world.

Earthwatch is an international non-profit, founded in Boston, USA, 1971. Earthwatch pioneered collaboration between scientists, volunteers and communities and continues to drive meaningful behaviour change, with citizen science at its core.

Our Model

Our Vision

Our citizen science model empowers behavioural change, enabling a more sustainable society. Earthwatch participants collect data alongside renowned scientists to drive conservation efforts, sustainable choices, and lifelong environmental stewardship.

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

Focus Areas Wetlands

Championing impactful research, action and education across key environmental areas

Reefs & Oceans

Wetlands are of critical importance to the environment, providing a range of ecological, economic, and social benefits. Wetlands cover approximately 6% of Austalia's landmass and are vital as carbon sinks, for water quality, storm surge and flood control. They are critical habitats for bird and aquatic species. Australian wetlands have significant cultural and spiritual importance to Indigenous communities, who have been managing them sustainably for thousands of years.

From biodiversity and food supply to the livelihoods of millions, so much depends on our oceans. However, the health of our reefs and oceans is declining with rising sea surface temperatures and acidification, overfishing, coral bleaching events, and marine plastic pollution. The combined impact of these problems is shifting our ocean ecosystems into unrecognisable states.

Climate

Biodiversity

Climate action is critically important for Australia and the world at large. The country is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including more frequent and severe storms, cyclones, droughts, heatwaves, and bushfires. These events have devastating consequences for the environment, people's health, and the economy.

Climate action is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.

Biodiversity is the very fabric of the Earth. It is diversity in plants and animals that enables ecosystems to function. Yet, one eighth of the world’s species – more than a million – are threatened with extinction.

The greatest threats facing our plants and animals are changes in land and sea use; direct exploitation of organisms; climate change; pollution; and invasion of weed and feral species.

We achieve impact through educating and working with: Business

Government

Trusts and Foundations

We co-develop interdisciplinary programs which target material global issues

We work with local, state and federal governments on the highest priority environmental research

We deliver scholarship programs, citizen science programs and educational experiences

Community

Educational Institutions

Individuals

We collaborate across Traditional Owner groups, community groups, social enterprises, NGOs, and other charities

We upskill and support schools, teachers, and students to become environmental stewards through our bespoke programs

We develop scientific expeditions for people to reconnect with nature and work with experts to protect our biosphere

Focus Areas Wetlands

Championing impactful research, action and education across key environmental areas

Reefs & Oceans

Wetlands are of critical importance to the environment, providing a range of ecological, economic, and social benefits. Wetlands cover approximately 6% of Austalia's landmass and are vital as carbon sinks, for water quality, storm surge and flood control. They are critical habitats for bird and aquatic species. Australian wetlands have significant cultural and spiritual importance to Indigenous communities, who have been managing them sustainably for thousands of years.

From biodiversity and food supply to the livelihoods of millions, so much depends on our oceans. However, the health of our reefs and oceans is declining with rising sea surface temperatures and acidification, overfishing, coral bleaching events, and marine plastic pollution. The combined impact of these problems is shifting our ocean ecosystems into unrecognisable states.

Climate

Biodiversity

Climate action is critically important for Australia and the world at large. The country is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including more frequent and severe storms, cyclones, droughts, heatwaves, and bushfires. These events have devastating consequences for the environment, people's health, and the economy.

Climate action is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.

Biodiversity is the very fabric of the Earth. It is diversity in plants and animals that enables ecosystems to function. Yet, one eighth of the world’s species – more than a million – are threatened with extinction.

The greatest threats facing our plants and animals are changes in land and sea use; direct exploitation of organisms; climate change; pollution; and invasion of weed and feral species.

We achieve impact through educating and working with: Business

Government

Trusts and Foundations

We co-develop interdisciplinary programs which target material global issues

We work with local, state and federal governments on the highest priority environmental research

We deliver scholarship programs, citizen science programs and educational experiences

Community

Educational Institutions

Individuals

We collaborate across Traditional Owner groups, community groups, social enterprises, NGOs, and other charities

We upskill and support schools, teachers, and students to become environmental stewards through our bespoke programs

We develop scientific expeditions for people to reconnect with nature and work with experts to protect our biosphere

Hectares surveyed

People power

27,441

1,425,920

citizen science hours

Impact at a Glance 2023 saw continued positive impact and important milestones across our ongoing initiatives and programs. We are thrilled to share a snapshot of some outcomes that our team, partners, participants, and collaborators have contributed to over the course of the year.

Adult peer learning

Meaningful engagement

participants

81%

3,441

Youth leaders

65%

20,992 participants

Environmental action projects

119

of projects worked in marginalised, regional & remote areas

Species observations by citizen scientists

81,997

of experiences incorporating First Nations engagement

Benthic Community data points captured

545,000

Hectares surveyed

People power

27,441

1,425,920

citizen science hours

Impact at a Glance 2023 saw continued positive impact and important milestones across our ongoing initiatives and programs. We are thrilled to share a snapshot of some outcomes that our team, partners, participants, and collaborators have contributed to over the course of the year.

Adult peer learning

Meaningful engagement

participants

81%

3,441

Youth leaders

65%

20,992 participants

Environmental action projects

119

of projects worked in marginalised, regional & remote areas

Species observations by citizen scientists

81,997

of experiences incorporating First Nations engagement

Benthic Community data points captured

545,000

Walking in step with Traditional Custodians As we face ongoing threats to our planet's natural capital, Earthwatch acknowledges the essential work of Traditional Custodians who are active stewards of 80% of earth’s remaining biodiversity. Earthwatch works in partnership with Traditional Custodians, Aboriginal Corporations and Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers to support their goals to protect the environment and cultural heritage across Australia, prioritising Traditional Cultural and Ecological Knowledge in conservation and adaptive management efforts. One of our successful endeavours, Indigenous-led Wetlands Management Plans, forms part of Earthwatch’s strategic priorities, Protecting Wetlands for the Future.

One of the partners we’ve walked in step with since 2021 is the Yuku Baja Muliku Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers, to support their goal to protect and enhance the ecological, economic, social and cultural values of mangrove and saltmarsh habitats in the Yuku Baja (Annan River) estuary near Cooktown, Qld. The Yuku Baja Muliku Traditional Owners tell us that the mangroves and saltmarsh in the Yuku Baja estuary form part of their identity, connecting land to the sea and supporting traditional fisheries-based livelihoods. The wetlands provide protection for culturally significant adjacent seagrass habitats and associated dugongs and sea turtles and are of regional and global importance, protecting and supporting the ecological and economic values of the adjacent Great Barrier Reef.

Tidal wetlands habitats, like those in the Yuku Baja estuary, are increasingly threatened by climate change and human pressures. The

degradation and loss of these wetlands threaten traditional practices and the cultural identity of Yuku Baja Muliku peoples who rely on healthy wetland landscapes.

Protecting and restoring the ecological, economic, and cultural values of tidal wetlands is necessary to preserve the unique cultural and ecological values for the long-term benefit of Traditional Owners and communities. Indigenous-led tidal wetland management is a critical step towards addressing human-caused threats to the tidal wetlands to ensure that these coastal habitats can withstand the ongoing and future pressures of climate change.

After listening and learning, together we established survey sites and trained the Yuku Baja Muliku Rangers in MangroveWatch methods for ongoing monitoring of their tidal wetlands and saltmarsh . After three (3) years of data collection by the Rangers and analysed by Earthwatch, in 2023 we worked with Yuku Baja Muliku Rangers and Elders to develop an Indigenous-led Tidal Wetland Management Plan for the Yuku Baja (Annan River) estuary that outlines a set of prioritised actionable measures that the Yuku Baja Muliku Land and Sea Rangers willl undertake to safeguard the ecological and cultural significance of the tidal wetlands on Country. This Indigenous-led management plan is the result of a multi-year collaborative and participatory process that brought together three knowledge systems: Western Science, Local Knowledge, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge.

The resulting Yuku Baja Muliku Tidal Wetland Management Plan is not just about preserving the environment; it is about preserving culture. By protecting the key environmental values identified by the Yuku Baja Muliku Rangers and Elders, this Indigenous-led approach ensures that the tidal wetlands on Yuku Baja Muliku Country remain a source of pride and sustenance for future generations.

Pictured: Leilani and Guai, Yuku Baja Muliku Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers surveying shoreline mangrove health along Yuku Baja (Annan River).

Walking in step with Traditional Custodians As we face ongoing threats to our planet's natural capital, Earthwatch acknowledges the essential work of Traditional Custodians who are active stewards of 80% of earth’s remaining biodiversity. Earthwatch works in partnership with Traditional Custodians, Aboriginal Corporations and Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers to support their goals to protect the environment and cultural heritage across Australia, prioritising Traditional Cultural and Ecological Knowledge in conservation and adaptive management efforts. One of our successful endeavours, Indigenous-led Wetlands Management Plans, forms part of Earthwatch’s strategic priorities, Protecting Wetlands for the Future.

One of the partners we’ve walked in step with since 2021 is the Yuku Baja Muliku Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers, to support their goal to protect and enhance the ecological, economic, social and cultural values of mangrove and saltmarsh habitats in the Yuku Baja (Annan River) estuary near Cooktown, Qld. The Yuku Baja Muliku Traditional Owners tell us that the mangroves and saltmarsh in the Yuku Baja estuary form part of their identity, connecting land to the sea and supporting traditional fisheries-based livelihoods. The wetlands provide protection for culturally significant adjacent seagrass habitats and associated dugongs and sea turtles and are of regional and global importance, protecting and supporting the ecological and economic values of the adjacent Great Barrier Reef.

Tidal wetlands habitats, like those in the Yuku Baja estuary, are increasingly threatened by climate change and human pressures. The

degradation and loss of these wetlands threaten traditional practices and the cultural identity of Yuku Baja Muliku peoples who rely on healthy wetland landscapes.

Protecting and restoring the ecological, economic, and cultural values of tidal wetlands is necessary to preserve the unique cultural and ecological values for the long-term benefit of Traditional Owners and communities. Indigenous-led tidal wetland management is a critical step towards addressing human-caused threats to the tidal wetlands to ensure that these coastal habitats can withstand the ongoing and future pressures of climate change.

After listening and learning, together we established survey sites and trained the Yuku Baja Muliku Rangers in MangroveWatch methods for ongoing monitoring of their tidal wetlands and saltmarsh . After three (3) years of data collection by the Rangers and analysed by Earthwatch, in 2023 we worked with Yuku Baja Muliku Rangers and Elders to develop an Indigenous-led Tidal Wetland Management Plan for the Yuku Baja (Annan River) estuary that outlines a set of prioritised actionable measures that the Yuku Baja Muliku Land and Sea Rangers willl undertake to safeguard the ecological and cultural significance of the tidal wetlands on Country. This Indigenous-led management plan is the result of a multi-year collaborative and participatory process that brought together three knowledge systems: Western Science, Local Knowledge, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge.

The resulting Yuku Baja Muliku Tidal Wetland Management Plan is not just about preserving the environment; it is about preserving culture. By protecting the key environmental values identified by the Yuku Baja Muliku Rangers and Elders, this Indigenous-led approach ensures that the tidal wetlands on Yuku Baja Muliku Country remain a source of pride and sustenance for future generations.

Pictured: Leilani and Guai, Yuku Baja Muliku Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers surveying shoreline mangrove health along Yuku Baja (Annan River).

Increasing scientific knowledge to better manage biodiversity Bush Blitz is the largest nature discovery project of its kind in the world – an ambitious partnership between the Australian Government, BHP and Earthwatch Australia. Created to protect Australia’s biodiversity and build resilience in our landscapes, Bush Blitz expeditions bring specialist taxonomists, Indigenous communities, rangers, landholders, teachers, students and BHP employees together in some of Australia’s most remote places, and gives them a structured shared research goal - documenting Australia’s biodiversity - while out in the field together.

In 2023, four Bush Blitz expeditions were conducted in Esperance WA, Goldfields Tjirwarl WA, King Island TAS and the Australian Alps.

Since its beginning in 2010, Bush Blitz has increased our understanding of Australia’s biological diversity, re-discovered species believed to be extinct, recorded range extensions, increased our knowledge of pests and invasive species, and discovered 1928 species new to science. It is one of the longest running and most successful public-private conservation partnerships in Australian history, setting an aspirational standard for industry each year. Out of those 1928 new species discoveries, over a quarter (539) have been in the arachnid family (spiders).

Pictured to the right are three of our more recent additions to the spider family, discovered on Australian Alps Bush Blitz Expedition in

2023. In the process of being scientifically described and catalogued, the trio of new discoveries include: a wraparound spider, a warrior (shielded) huntsman and an affectionately named ‘licorice-all-sorts' jumping spider.

6,900

“The Warrior” Badge Huntsman

350 km “Liquorice-all-sort” Jumping Spider

Discovered by Museums Victoria arachnologist and Bush Blitz Fellow, Joseph Schubert, these three new spiders demonstrate the diversity and adaptability displayed across the arachnid family. The wraparound spider, who blends seamlessly in with tree branches through the day to hide from predators, waits until after dark to reveal itself, in turn becoming a fearless and ferocious mini hunter in the night. It plays the assassin while its bigger cousin the ‘warrior’ shielded huntsman plays the barbarian, showing off fearsome ‘war-paint’ stripes on each leg that are anything but camouflage. Both these spiders again seem alien to their much, much smaller cousin, the eight eyed puppy ‘licorice-allsorts' jumping spider, who stands at only 3mm tall and as the name suggests has its own, much 'springier’ set of tricks up its many sleeves.

These discoveries are important as they highlight the range of evolutionary divergences one species can produce to tackle the challenge of survival, and they help us to better understand the complex IMPACT and uniquely significant makeup PROGRAM of Australia’s biodiversity, one of 17 mega-diverse countries collectively home to the highest numbers of endemic species and the majority of earth’s species.

Crucial for their conservation, by increasing our knowledge of 6,900 Australia’s biodiversity we can more effectively manage our unique 350 km wildlife.

221 kg

Pictured: TeachLive Fellow Lee and honourary research Fellow John on the King Island expedition.

221 kg

Wrap-around Spider

Increasing scientific knowledge to better manage biodiversity Bush Blitz is the largest nature discovery project of its kind in the world – an ambitious partnership between the Australian Government, BHP and Earthwatch Australia. Created to protect Australia’s biodiversity and build resilience in our landscapes, Bush Blitz expeditions bring specialist taxonomists, Indigenous communities, rangers, landholders, teachers, students and BHP employees together in some of Australia’s most remote places, and gives them a structured shared research goal - documenting Australia’s biodiversity - while out in the field together.

In 2023, four Bush Blitz expeditions were conducted in Esperance WA, Goldfields Tjirwarl WA, King Island TAS and the Australian Alps.

Since its beginning in 2010, Bush Blitz has increased our understanding of Australia’s biological diversity, re-discovered species believed to be extinct, recorded range extensions, increased our knowledge of pests and invasive species, and discovered 1928 species new to science. It is one of the longest running and most successful public-private conservation partnerships in Australian history, setting an aspirational standard for industry each year. Out of those 1928 new species discoveries, over a quarter (539) have been in the arachnid family (spiders).

Pictured to the right are three of our more recent additions to the spider family, discovered on Australian Alps Bush Blitz Expedition in

2023. In the process of being scientifically described and catalogued, the trio of new discoveries include: a wraparound spider, a warrior (shielded) huntsman and an affectionately named ‘licorice-all-sorts' jumping spider.

6,900

“The Warrior” Badge Huntsman

350 km “Liquorice-all-sort” Jumping Spider

Discovered by Museums Victoria arachnologist and Bush Blitz Fellow, Joseph Schubert, these three new spiders demonstrate the diversity and adaptability displayed across the arachnid family. The wraparound spider, who blends seamlessly in with tree branches through the day to hide from predators, waits until after dark to reveal itself, in turn becoming a fearless and ferocious mini hunter in the night. It plays the assassin while its bigger cousin the ‘warrior’ shielded huntsman plays the barbarian, showing off fearsome ‘war-paint’ stripes on each leg that are anything but camouflage. Both these spiders again seem alien to their much, much smaller cousin, the eight eyed puppy ‘licorice-allsorts' jumping spider, who stands at only 3mm tall and as the name suggests has its own, much 'springier’ set of tricks up its many sleeves.

These discoveries are important as they highlight the range of evolutionary divergences one species can produce to tackle the challenge of survival, and they help us to better understand the complex IMPACT and uniquely significant makeup PROGRAM of Australia’s biodiversity, one of 17 mega-diverse countries collectively home to the highest numbers of endemic species and the majority of earth’s species.

Crucial for their conservation, by increasing our knowledge of 6,900 Australia’s biodiversity we can more effectively manage our unique 350 km wildlife.

221 kg

Pictured: TeachLive Fellow Lee and honourary research Fellow John on the King Island expedition.

221 kg

Wrap-around Spider

Developing environmental leaders and community-led action Over the past decade, 392 students in year 10-12 have taken part in Earthwatch Australia’s Student Challenge program, generously funded

by The George Alexander Foundation. Student Challenge Fellows have conducted over 15,680 hours of fieldwork, empowering them to continue their learning journey and become environmental leaders.

In September 2023, our Student Challenge Fellows undertook a weeklong scientific expedition on Boyne Island, Protecting the Reef's Coastal Frontier. The focus of this year’s expedition was to learn about mangrove and saltmarsh habitats and the urgent need to monitor and protect Australia’s tidal wetlands. Secondary school students from government schools joined our scientists in the field, collecting data on various indicators of habitat health using a citizen science mangrove monitoring program, MangroveWatch.

The citizen science data collected contributes to research that informs the development of management strategies to protect and enhance these vital ecosystems. Select Student Challenge Fellows are continuing to engage after the expedition in further analysis of the data, ultimately contributing to a scientific paper (in progress). The program deeply connects students with the natural world and like-minded peers,

empowers them to become environmental ambassadors within their school or community and broadens their understanding of further education opportunities and the career pathways available to them in the environmental sciences. While surveying plant and wildlife biodiversity in the field, Student Challenge Fellow, Fei, made an exciting discovery; a crab species that hadn't been recorded in the Central Queensland region since 1929.

We caught up with Fei a few months after the expedition, to see what they’ve been up to. Fei, who has always had a passion for the environment, has recently re-launched their school's environmental and sustainability club and is currently investing in potential lunchtime workshops and ways to get the school community more involved with the club. Fei is holding a BioBlitz for the school community later this year with help from volunteers at the Karawatha Discovery Centre. Fei is also partaking in Australia's Nature Walk Challenge, to raise money for Australian Wildlife Conservation. We asked Fei about their experience:

“Through this partnership with Earthwatch Australia, the Foundation continues its mission to contribute to a sustainable Australia by supporting environmental education and encouraging young people's commitment to the environment. It was a privilege to see our Student Challenge fellows embrace this challenge, growing their scientific acumen, self-confidence, and passion for the natural world. I look forward to hearing how this experience supports these passionate citizen scientists' studies and future careers."

Paul Conroy, The George Alexander Foundation Chief Executive Officer.

“The Student Challenge experience has certainly sparked new ideas with me and helped me not only expand my sense of community and make new friends but look at more ideas on what I would do on a smaller scale and set sustainable goals for the future.”

6

Fei has inspired friends to apply for Student Challenge and has spoken 71 to younger year levels about the possibilities of STEM and encouraged them177 to get involved. After school, Fei plans to study at the University of Tasmania 2,041+ and work in environmental and wildlife conservation.

Pictured: Student Challenge Fellows Fei (right) and Lily (left) analysing crab species in the lab.

Developing environmental leaders and community-led action Over the past decade, 392 students in year 10-12 have taken part in Earthwatch Australia’s Student Challenge program, generously funded

by The George Alexander Foundation. Student Challenge Fellows have conducted over 15,680 hours of fieldwork, empowering them to continue their learning journey and become environmental leaders.

In September 2023, our Student Challenge Fellows undertook a weeklong scientific expedition on Boyne Island, Protecting the Reef's Coastal Frontier. The focus of this year’s expedition was to learn about mangrove and saltmarsh habitats and the urgent need to monitor and protect Australia’s tidal wetlands. Secondary school students from government schools joined our scientists in the field, collecting data on various indicators of habitat health using a citizen science mangrove monitoring program, MangroveWatch.

The citizen science data collected contributes to research that informs the development of management strategies to protect and enhance these vital ecosystems. Select Student Challenge Fellows are continuing to engage after the expedition in further analysis of the data, ultimately contributing to a scientific paper (in progress). The program deeply connects students with the natural world and like-minded peers,

empowers them to become environmental ambassadors within their school or community and broadens their understanding of further education opportunities and the career pathways available to them in the environmental sciences. While surveying plant and wildlife biodiversity in the field, Student Challenge Fellow, Fei, made an exciting discovery; a crab species that hadn't been recorded in the Central Queensland region since 1929.

We caught up with Fei a few months after the expedition, to see what they’ve been up to. Fei, who has always had a passion for the environment, has recently re-launched their school's environmental and sustainability club and is currently investing in potential lunchtime workshops and ways to get the school community more involved with the club. Fei is holding a BioBlitz for the school community later this year with help from volunteers at the Karawatha Discovery Centre. Fei is also partaking in Australia's Nature Walk Challenge, to raise money for Australian Wildlife Conservation. We asked Fei about their experience:

“Through this partnership with Earthwatch Australia, the Foundation continues its mission to contribute to a sustainable Australia by supporting environmental education and encouraging young people's commitment to the environment. It was a privilege to see our Student Challenge fellows embrace this challenge, growing their scientific acumen, self-confidence, and passion for the natural world. I look forward to hearing how this experience supports these passionate citizen scientists' studies and future careers."

Paul Conroy, The George Alexander Foundation Chief Executive Officer.

“The Student Challenge experience has certainly sparked new ideas with me and helped me not only expand my sense of community and make new friends but look at more ideas on what I would do on a smaller scale and set sustainable goals for the future.”

6

Fei has inspired friends to apply for Student Challenge and has spoken 71 to younger year levels about the possibilities of STEM and encouraged them177 to get involved. After school, Fei plans to study at the University of Tasmania 2,041+ and work in environmental and wildlife conservation.

Pictured: Student Challenge Fellows Fei (right) and Lily (left) analysing crab species in the lab.

Empowering corporate social responsibility and climate resilience Earthwatch’s partnerships with businesses and corporations are instrumental in driving forward the sector’s investment in nature-based solutions that combat the environmental challenges facing our planet. At Earthwatch, we actively seek out cross-sector partnerships to deliver the greatest impact for communities and nature.

The global partnership between Earthwatch and Mitsubishi Corporation began in 1992 and with Earthwatch Australia, Mitsubishi has supported coral reef research expeditions since 2011, focussed on the iconic Great Barrier Reef. In 2018 our successful ‘’Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef’’ expedition changed focus from identifying scienitfic gaps in our understanding natural reef recovery processes, to investigating ecologybased active restoration, in response to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s changed strategy to intervene and improve the climate resilience of the Reef’s recovery processes.

With our research partners at James Cook University, we asked the question, could removing seaweed that was smothering degraded nearshore reefs help corals recover from the multiple impacts they are facing? With increasing nutrient loads, coral bleaching and increased extreme weather events, corals need human intervention to increase their capacity to recover. In 2023, we have answered this question, with the partnership enabling ground-breaking coral recovery outcomes: by weeding two degraded near-shore reefs at Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) we have seen increases of 1.5 and 6 times the coral cover compared to

our un-weeded plots, and an increase in coral diversity as well, which means the seaweeding wasn’t favouring any specific coral species. We were able to find out whether seaweed removal impacted coral recovery after a bleaching event, and we found that the corals recovered rapidly in comparison to the un-weeded plots. As an added benefit, we found that over the 3 years of weeding the reef of Yunbenun like a garden, seaweed cover reduced from 80% to less than 40% coverage on the seafloor, further demonstrating that the method quickly supports the reef to come back into the balance of seaweed and coral that we want to see in healthy reef systems.

The Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef project has quantified the ecological effects of macroalgae removal - specifically of sargassum - on near-shore reefs at Magnetic Island, has rigorously testing the positive and negative effects (none) of removing macroalgae as a reef management and restoration intervention. The research provides the scientific evidence that allows reef managers to make informed decisions on the benefits and costs of active interventions and aid in reef management conservation.

The 2023 field season saw Fellows contribute valuable field work and findings towards a seminal academic paper titled “Sea-weeding: manual removal of macroalgae facilitates rapid coral recovery” which was published in the prestigious Journal of Applied Ecology this year. The research has attracted international attention as a broadly applicable reef recovery and resilience measure, especially for small island nations and in locations where the removed macroalgae by-product may have 13 commercial value.

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The 278 project emphases local community group involvement and citizen scientists, leading to scientific advancements and long term conservation 5,196 behaviour change. All 2023 Fellows reported increased appreciation, 96% understanding, and motivation to protect the Great Barrier Reef marine environment and surrounding Country after attending expeditions.

Pictured: JCU researchers Bell and Stefano weeding corals on the Great Barrier Reef

Empowering corporate social responsibility and climate resilience Earthwatch’s partnerships with businesses and corporations are instrumental in driving forward the sector’s investment in nature-based solutions that combat the environmental challenges facing our planet. At Earthwatch, we actively seek out cross-sector partnerships to deliver the greatest impact for communities and nature.

The global partnership between Earthwatch and Mitsubishi Corporation began in 1992 and with Earthwatch Australia, Mitsubishi has supported coral reef research expeditions since 2011, focussed on the iconic Great Barrier Reef. In 2018 our successful ‘’Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef’’ expedition changed focus from identifying scienitfic gaps in our understanding natural reef recovery processes, to investigating ecologybased active restoration, in response to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s changed strategy to intervene and improve the climate resilience of the Reef’s recovery processes.

With our research partners at James Cook University, we asked the question, could removing seaweed that was smothering degraded nearshore reefs help corals recover from the multiple impacts they are facing? With increasing nutrient loads, coral bleaching and increased extreme weather events, corals need human intervention to increase their capacity to recover. In 2023, we have answered this question, with the partnership enabling ground-breaking coral recovery outcomes: by weeding two degraded near-shore reefs at Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) we have seen increases of 1.5 and 6 times the coral cover compared to

our un-weeded plots, and an increase in coral diversity as well, which means the seaweeding wasn’t favouring any specific coral species. We were able to find out whether seaweed removal impacted coral recovery after a bleaching event, and we found that the corals recovered rapidly in comparison to the un-weeded plots. As an added benefit, we found that over the 3 years of weeding the reef of Yunbenun like a garden, seaweed cover reduced from 80% to less than 40% coverage on the seafloor, further demonstrating that the method quickly supports the reef to come back into the balance of seaweed and coral that we want to see in healthy reef systems.

The Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef project has quantified the ecological effects of macroalgae removal - specifically of sargassum - on near-shore reefs at Magnetic Island, has rigorously testing the positive and negative effects (none) of removing macroalgae as a reef management and restoration intervention. The research provides the scientific evidence that allows reef managers to make informed decisions on the benefits and costs of active interventions and aid in reef management conservation.

The 2023 field season saw Fellows contribute valuable field work and findings towards a seminal academic paper titled “Sea-weeding: manual removal of macroalgae facilitates rapid coral recovery” which was published in the prestigious Journal of Applied Ecology this year. The research has attracted international attention as a broadly applicable reef recovery and resilience measure, especially for small island nations and in locations where the removed macroalgae by-product may have 13 commercial value.

29

The 278 project emphases local community group involvement and citizen scientists, leading to scientific advancements and long term conservation 5,196 behaviour change. All 2023 Fellows reported increased appreciation, 96% understanding, and motivation to protect the Great Barrier Reef marine environment and surrounding Country after attending expeditions.

Pictured: JCU researchers Bell and Stefano weeding corals on the Great Barrier Reef

Planting nature based solutions to urban climate challenges

These forests provide many benefits to the urban environment—the cooling effect of trees providing thermal comfort, biodiversity sustenance, flood management and carbon capture, along with community wellbeing and engagement in the natural world.

IIn partnership with corporate partners including Bupa, Brother International, Belong, Telstra, and ANZ, Earthwatch has engaged local councils across Australia. Striving to improve community understanding and value of biodiversity and urban forests in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. Strengthening communities social cohesion and liveability through their connection with nature and ‘’Tiny Forests’’.

Earthwatch has already planted over 240 forests in Europe, with clear outcomes for community, environment, and society. Early reports have uncovered some key benefits for the surrounding environment and community. Even in their early stages these Tiny Forests are capturing carbon, creating a biodiverse environment, improving soil conditions — vital for flood management, and influencing the thermal comfort of the surrounding urban area.

A Tiny Forest is a space for the community to connect, learn and grow. were students can attend school excursions, employees can contribute to biodiversity surveys, and business can support a visible marker of climate action.

Tiny Forests are patches of densely-packed native bushland about the size of a tennis court and represent a nature-based solution for urban climate challenges. Using a planting method developed in the 1970’s

by Japanese botanist, Dr. Miyawaki, Tiny Forests involve soil enrichment and a dense planting structure. This method encourages faster forest development. Tiny Forests grow up to 10x faster than traditional forests and are up to 100x more biodiverse without the use of harmful chemicals or fertilisers.

Tiny Forests are a highly visible way to restore and regenerate nature within our urban environments, inspiring and engaging everyday people to reconnect with and take care of the natural world.

Pictured: Local primary school student participating in a Tiny Forest planting day

Planting nature based solutions to urban climate challenges

These forests provide many benefits to the urban environment—the cooling effect of trees providing thermal comfort, biodiversity sustenance, flood management and carbon capture, along with community wellbeing and engagement in the natural world.

IIn partnership with corporate partners including Bupa, Brother International, Belong, Telstra, and ANZ, Earthwatch has engaged local councils across Australia. Striving to improve community understanding and value of biodiversity and urban forests in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. Strengthening communities social cohesion and liveability through their connection with nature and ‘’Tiny Forests’’.

Earthwatch has already planted over 240 forests in Europe, with clear outcomes for community, environment, and society. Early reports have uncovered some key benefits for the surrounding environment and community. Even in their early stages these Tiny Forests are capturing carbon, creating a biodiverse environment, improving soil conditions — vital for flood management, and influencing the thermal comfort of the surrounding urban area.

A Tiny Forest is a space for the community to connect, learn and grow. were students can attend school excursions, employees can contribute to biodiversity surveys, and business can support a visible marker of climate action.

Tiny Forests are patches of densely-packed native bushland about the size of a tennis court and represent a nature-based solution for urban climate challenges. Using a planting method developed in the 1970’s

by Japanese botanist, Dr. Miyawaki, Tiny Forests involve soil enrichment and a dense planting structure. This method encourages faster forest development. Tiny Forests grow up to 10x faster than traditional forests and are up to 100x more biodiverse without the use of harmful chemicals or fertilisers.

Tiny Forests are a highly visible way to restore and regenerate nature within our urban environments, inspiring and engaging everyday people to reconnect with and take care of the natural world.

Pictured: Local primary school student participating in a Tiny Forest planting day

We are beyond grateful for the extraordinary generosity of each and every one of our supporters. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of our philanthropic partners whose unwavering support has been fundamental in helping us work towards our mission; to empower people to save the natural world throughout 2023.

Giving at a Glance Donations are the lifeblood of charities such as Earthwatch, with the support of donors being vital to sustain our work in the short and long term. We are encouraged by each and every donation from Earthwatch supporters. Your support makes monumental impact.

Our philanthropic partners encompass a diverse spectrum, which includes donors and supporters, bequestors, workplace giving, and corporate contributors. This generosity has enabled us to deliver transformative experiences that inspire positive behaviour change towards the environment - something nature needs from us more urgently than ever before.

As well as the phenomenal support provided towards driving Earthwatch programs, we also value the time and expertise donated by volunteers and interns that have helped propel our vision. In 2023, our internship program and skilled volunteers have contributed their time - in excess of 2000 hours - towards the delivery of our programs.

We would also like to extend our thanks to our pro bono partners who have generously donated their time and resources towards our mission.

Together we are creating a society that lives in balance with nature. Thank you for joining our mission!

Our generous donors contributed to the following areas of impact in 2023

We are beyond grateful for the extraordinary generosity of each and every one of our supporters. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of our philanthropic partners whose unwavering support has been fundamental in helping us work towards our mission; to empower people to save the natural world throughout 2023.

Giving at a Glance Donations are the lifeblood of charities such as Earthwatch, with the support of donors being vital to sustain our work in the short and long term. We are encouraged by each and every donation from Earthwatch supporters. Your support makes monumental impact.

Our philanthropic partners encompass a diverse spectrum, which includes donors and supporters, bequestors, workplace giving, and corporate contributors. This generosity has enabled us to deliver transformative experiences that inspire positive behaviour change towards the environment - something nature needs from us more urgently than ever before.

As well as the phenomenal support provided towards driving Earthwatch programs, we also value the time and expertise donated by volunteers and interns that have helped propel our vision. In 2023, our internship program and skilled volunteers have contributed their time - in excess of 2000 hours - towards the delivery of our programs.

We would also like to extend our thanks to our pro bono partners who have generously donated their time and resources towards our mission.

Together we are creating a society that lives in balance with nature. Thank you for joining our mission!

Our generous donors contributed to the following areas of impact in 2023

Partners

Earthwatch Australia also extends a warm thank you to all of our wonderful delivery partners, pro-bono partners and stakeholders.

Pictured: Lined Nerite (Nerita balteata) on a Rhizophora aerial root.

Partners

Earthwatch Australia also extends a warm thank you to all of our wonderful delivery partners, pro-bono partners and stakeholders.

Pictured: Lined Nerite (Nerita balteata) on a Rhizophora aerial root.

Acknowledgements Earthwatch is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors. Our science is vetted by a CSIRO endorsed Scientific Advisory Committee and Panel. We extend our thanks to the Board and associated committees and panel.

Board

Scientific Advisory Committee

Mathew Nelson - Chair Aaron Organ Andrew Thomson Belinda Kischkel Emily Gerrard Jim Walker Nuvan Aranwela Shamal Dass Simon Cramp Sarah Newport - Company Secretary

Jim Walker - Chair Andrea Rawluk David Booth Erinn Fagan-Jeffries Kelly Miller Tim O’Hara Jeremy Wilson

ClimateWatch Scientific Advisory Panel

Shamal Dass – Chair Andrew Thomson Belinda Kischkel Sarah Newport

David Booth Linda Beaumont Marie Keatley Reid Tingley Stewart Macdonald Stephen Smith Tim Entwisle Michael Kearney

Finance and Risk Committee

Visuals and Photos

Nominations & Governance Committee

Simon Cramp - Chair Emily Gerrard Rod Jackson

Acknowledgment of Country Image - Swarovski Foundation Waterschool Australia Page 5 Image - Biodiversity: Joan Bernett Page 7 Image - Yuku Baja Muliku Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers & Jock Mackenzie Page 9 Image - BushBlitz & Sandra McCullough, Geologist Page 9 Image - Spider Species: Joseph Schubert, Arachnologist Page 20 Image - Chris La Rosa, TeachLive Fellow Back Image - Swarovski Foundation Waterschool Australia Pictured: Teachers and commuinty educators participating in the ‘Protecting Wetlands for the Future’ TeachLive program in the mangroves of Cairns.

Acknowledgements Earthwatch is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors. Our science is vetted by a CSIRO endorsed Scientific Advisory Committee and Panel. We extend our thanks to the Board and associated committees and panel.

Board

Scientific Advisory Committee

Mathew Nelson - Chair Aaron Organ Andrew Thomson Belinda Kischkel Emily Gerrard Jim Walker Nuvan Aranwela Shamal Dass Simon Cramp Sarah Newport - Company Secretary

Jim Walker - Chair Andrea Rawluk David Booth Erinn Fagan-Jeffries Kelly Miller Tim O’Hara Jeremy Wilson

ClimateWatch Scientific Advisory Panel

Shamal Dass – Chair Andrew Thomson Belinda Kischkel Sarah Newport

David Booth Linda Beaumont Marie Keatley Reid Tingley Stewart Macdonald Stephen Smith Tim Entwisle Michael Kearney

Finance and Risk Committee

Visuals and Photos

Nominations & Governance Committee

Simon Cramp - Chair Emily Gerrard Rod Jackson

Acknowledgment of Country Image - Swarovski Foundation Waterschool Australia Page 5 Image - Biodiversity: Joan Bernett Page 7 Image - Yuku Baja Muliku Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers & Jock Mackenzie Page 9 Image - BushBlitz & Sandra McCullough, Geologist Page 9 Image - Spider Species: Joseph Schubert, Arachnologist Page 20 Image - Chris La Rosa, TeachLive Fellow Back Image - Swarovski Foundation Waterschool Australia Pictured: Teachers and commuinty educators participating in the ‘Protecting Wetlands for the Future’ TeachLive program in the mangroves of Cairns.