A wetland near Connewarre has received much-needed care and weeding to help preserve it for the future.
Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) teamed up with Parks Victoria on a Rehabilitation Day event at Murtnaghurt Lagoon on Wednesday, May 1, as part of its Wetland and Waterway Series.
CVA project coordinator Yasmina Tulloch-Medigovich said the event encouraged the community to help preserve the wetland and engage with the surrounding nature.
“Globally and locally, wetlands are degrading and disappearing at alarming rates, they are one of the most threatened ecosystems,” she said.
“Despite its ecological and cultural significance, similar to many wetlands and waterways, Murtnaghurt Lagoon has degraded areas and requires rehabilitation.
“It is a wetland of international significance and is recognised for its importance in supporting a variety of wildlife, including various threatened species of birds.”
Ms Tulloch-Medigovich said many invasive weed species had taken over the wetland’s native flora and overwhelmed the natural ecosystem.
“It’s very important for people to look after our natural wetlands and waterways…as they are some of the most biodiverse and productive ecosystems in the world,” she said.
“Wetlands are crucial for climate resilience, supporting communities and our environment to adapt and recover from the impacts of our changing climate.
“They are one of our greatest nature-based solutions to tackling climate change, having the ability to capture carbon up to 40 times faster than forests, and store it for thousands of years.”
Visit conservationvolunteers.com.au to learn more about CVA and get involved with further rehabilitation events.
