Wetlands revival in Australia supports Indigenous youth

Decades-long efforts to restore Queensland’s Mungalla wetlands are bringing back wildlife and creating opportunities for Indigenous youth to reconnect with their land and culture.

MaryLou Costa reports for Reasons to be Cheerful.

In short:

• Jacob Cassady, a Nywaigi elder, has led the restoration of Mungalla wetlands, once decimated by invasive species and poor farming practices.
• The revitalized wetlands now support 229 bird species, fish nurseries and filter runoff that benefits the Great Barrier Reef.
• The project provides training in land management, tourism and hospitality for Indigenous youth to improve employment prospects.

Key quote:

“We want to be able to clean out all these waterways so all the birds will come back.”

— Jacob Cassady, Nywaigi elder

Why this matters:

Restoring wetlands not only revives critical ecosystems but also supports Indigenous communities in preserving cultural heritage and improving livelihoods. Healthy wetlands filter harmful pollutants, protecting the Great Barrier Reef from agricultural runoff.