Why...Ribbons of Blue / Waterwatch WA?

Western Australia is one of the driest parts of the earth’s surface with much of the State receiving less than 400 mm of rainfall per year and subject to natural cycles of drought and flood. So the rivers, creeks, wetlands and groundwater we do have are not only important to the people that live around them, but are the basis of life itself for a multitude of plants and animals. Our waterways provide habitat for birds, frogs, reptiles, mammals, native fish and macroinvertebrates and form important wildlife corridors between patches of bush.

However, many of our waterways are suffering from a range of problems including rising salinity, algal blooms caused by high levels of nutrients, invasion by pests and weeds, chocking with sediments, and loss of fringing vegetation and the animals that rely on them. Despite this most of our waterways are great places: a source of recreation, inspiration and livelihood for many people, and providing a range of different habitats for the wide diversity of life.

Ribbons of Blue provides an opportunity for school students and community members to learn about these wonderful places, take part in projects to protect them and understand how individuals’ actions can either harm or help our waterways.

To find out more about Ribbons of Blue / Waterwatch WA click on the links below.