Media Contacts
-
Ally Catterick
Director, Marketing & Communications
The Nature Conservancy Australia
Mobile: 0407 501 132
Email: ally.catterick@tnc.org
The Nature Conservancy Australia (TNC) is embarking on a landmark conservation project that will harness the power of nature to provide long-term benefits to Perth’s much-loved Swan Canning Estuary.
“This is a really exciting project that shines a spotlight on the iconic Swan Canning Estuary. It’s a world-class example of how science-backed nature-based solutions can improve ecosystems, and we look forward to seeing significantly improved health in our Estuary, that will benefit both people and nature,” TNC’s Seascapes Coordinator for WA, Brett Dal Pozzo said.
“With this landmark project, we want to demonstrate the effectiveness and practical application of nature-based solutions to help support the resilience of the Estuary, restore its biodiversity and better sustain the many uses of this much-loved waterway. This will include establishing living shorelines in nearshore areas to enhance the colonisation of natural biota, including seagrass; re-establishing foreshore vegetation to reduce the impact of erosion; provide habitat for native species; and help connect local people back to their estuary,” Mr Dal Pozzo continued.
The project, which will be focussed in the lower reaches of the Swan Canning Estuary, is being led by TNC in collaboration with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation and the University of Western Australia (UWA). This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program
“This project is fantastic, because it will look at how a holistic approach to the current challenges faced by our estuaries, in terms of foreshore protection and management, can be addressed other than through traditional seawalls, bringing solutions that benefit both people and nature,” Mr Dal Pozzo said
DBCA Principal Scientist for Rivers and Estuaries, Dr Kerry Trayler said, “This is one of a number of projects the Department is engaged in that are aimed at improving habitat and biodiversity outcomes and we look forward to it getting fully underway
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organisation dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we focus on getting things done efficiently and with the greatest positive impact for conservation. We’re a trusted organisation working in more than 70 countries and territories around the world on innovative solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy in Australia, follow us on Facebook.