Brisbane Airport celebrates World Wetlands Day 2023
World Wetlands Day is celebrated on the 2nd February each year, a day to recognise the invaluable impact of wetland environments and take action to protect them.
Above: Shorebird and mangrove surveys being undertaken in Brisbane Airport's protected wetland areas.
This year's theme focuses on 'wetland restoration', which highlights the urgent need to revive and restore degraded wetlands. Wetlands deliver unrivalled benefits to humanity. Yet, more than 35% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared in the last 50 years.
As Brisbane Airport sits within Moreton Bay, we take protection of the surrounding wetlands very seriously.
Because of this, 285 hectares or more than 10% of the airport's entire landmass has been set aside as our Biodiversity Zone for conservation.
The Biodiversity Zone is home to a number of important ecosystems which include:
• Saltmarsh areas.
• Migratory wader bird feeding habitat along the airport’s foreshore.
• Roost sites located on a saltpan area along the foreshore.
• Mangrove areas at Jacksons Creek, Serpentine Inlet and adjacent to Pinkenba.
To ensure the continued health BNE's wetlands, mangrove surveys and mapping exercises are carried out every year in estuarine areas of the Biodiversity Zone. Read more about the natural and cultural significance of BNE wetlands by visiting our blog.
For further information and resources on World Wetlands Day 2023, visit the official website.