Our Volunteer Day with Positive Change for Marine Life

An Inspiring Collaboration

Yesterday, we had the privilege of teaming up with Positive Change for Marine Life (PCFML), a non-profit organisation dedicated to reimagining how communities interact with the ocean. Their work revolves around creating a sustainable ocean economy where conservation is prioritised, ensuring a balance between ecological health and the needs of people who rely on marine ecosystems for their livelihoods. By empowering communities to take action, PCFML develops long-term initiatives to protect waterways and the oceans they feed into.

This partnership was an inspiring reminder of how collaboration between organisations and local communities can drive meaningful environmental change.

  

Discovering the Brunswick River

Our day began at the beautiful Brunswick River, or "The Bruns," a vital catchment located in the heart of Byron Shire. As we paddled along the tranquil waters in kayaks, we explored the mangroves—a unique ecosystem that plays a crucial role in coastal protection, carbon storage, and supporting marine life.

Mangroves are often called “coastal guardians” for their ability to prevent erosion and serve as nurseries for fish, crabs, and other species. Their preservation is vital not only for biodiversity but also for the communities that depend on these ecosystems for food, livelihoods, and cultural significance.

Seeing the river and its mangroves up close highlighted the importance of maintaining healthy waterways, both for their intrinsic value and their broader ecological impact.

  

Why Rivers Matter

PCFML emphasised the critical role that rivers like the Brunswick play in connecting ecosystems. Despite covering less than 1% of the earth’s surface, rivers provide habitats for over 40% of species. They are the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, yet they are also among the most threatened.

Human activities—such as over-development, poor land management, and pollution—have severely impacted over half of the earth’s river systems. These challenges are particularly concerning because rivers act as the “beating heart of the ocean,” connecting mountain ranges to floodplains and eventually the sea. Their health directly influences marine ecosystems and the global climate.

PCFML’s Rewilding Our Floodplains program takes a holistic approach to addressing these issues, focusing on restoring waterways to benefit both the environment and local communities. This program creates sustainable solutions that protect rivers while building resilience against climate change.

  

The Power of Community Involvement

A standout moment of the day was learning about PCFML’s River Warriors ArcGIS StoryMap. This cutting-edge tool combines ecological research with interactive maps to tell the story of the Brunswick River, its threats, and the strategies for its restoration.

The platform isn’t just informative; it’s participatory. Community members can upload their findings and photos directly, contributing to PCFML’s data collection and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the river’s health. This inclusive approach ensures that solutions are developed collaboratively, reflecting the needs and knowledge of the people who know the area best.

  

Global Efforts for a Cleaner Planet

While we were exploring the Brunswick River, our colleagues across the globe were making their own contributions to marine conservation. In Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines, Maris and her family spent the day cleaning up a local beach, removing plastics and debris that pose a threat to marine life and the surrounding community. Over in Alicante, Spain, Guillermo and his partner also joined the effort, focusing on clearing litter from the coastline to help protect its natural beauty and biodiversity.

These global efforts remind us that marine conservation is a shared responsibility that transcends borders. Every action, no matter where it takes place, contributes to the health of our planet’s interconnected ecosystems. Together, as a global team, we’re working towards a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.

  

What We Took Away

Spending the day with PCFML was both humbling and inspiring. It reinforced the interconnectedness of all ecosystems and the importance of protecting rivers like the Brunswick. These waterways are not just sources of life for countless species—they are lifelines for local communities and crucial players in our fight against climate change.

The experience reminded us of the power of grassroots conservation and how small actions, like a day spent paddling through mangroves, can ripple out into broader environmental impact.

 

Get Involved

If you’re looking to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts, consider volunteering with Positive Change for Marine Life. Their work demonstrates how local action can create lasting global change.

Learn more about Positive Change for Marine Life and how you can support their initiatives here.