Why?
The Earth is currently experiencing the 6th massive extinction event of its evolutionary history. The first for 65 million years (Wilson 1992, 2002). It is unique in terms of the speed and breadth of extinctions. The cause is the impact of just one species: Homo sapiens sapiens (Houghton 1994; Cardillo et al 2004). Consequently, the current geological era is now known as the Anthropocene.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature 2007 Red List, an annual report on the conservation status of the world’s species, shows that one in four mammals, one in eight birds, and one in three amphibians are now in danger of extinction (IUCN 2007a).
Australia has one of the worst records of biodiversity loss. Close to half of all mammal extinctions in the last 200 years have occurred in Australia (Johnson 2006; Johnson et al 2007). Approximately 13% of all Australia’s known vertebrate species have been listed in Australia’s national Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as either ‘threatened’ or ‘vulnerable’. The number of terrestrial bird and mammals assessed as extinct, endangered or vulnerable on this list rose by 41% in the last decade (ABS 2006).
In the Otway Ranges, in South West Victoria, the waterways known as ‘the Otway Streams’ are important components of a single ecosystem. These relatively short, steep streams include the (Heritage) Aire, Ford, Barham, Wild Dog, Grey, Kennett and Wye Rivers as well as Skenes, Petticoat, Smyths, and Separation Creeks.
The streams are home to a variety of rare and endangered species within a rich and biodiverse habitat. Protection of the biodiversity and health of these streams is not only integral to the pristine, iconic coastal experience enjoyed by thousands of Great Ocean Road tourists but is also inseparable from the health of the coastal communities.
The Southern Otway Landcare Network (SOLN) co-ordinates riparian restoration projects on all of these streams. The objective is to restore and protect all of these waterways from source to sea. SOLN has developed strong, award winning partnerships with relevant Government Agencies such as Barwon Water, the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Colac Otway Shire and Parks Victoria.
At any time SOLN is conducting a diverse range of co-ordinated, on-the-ground activities. These activities include fencing, pest plant and animal removal and management, community planting days, development of interpretive signage, physical links with built environments, such as the construction and maintenance of shared paths, water quality and wildlife monitoring, seed collecting, cleaning and storage, as well as the development of associated educational materials and delivery of educational programs and events.
The impact of Climate Change is already being felt in the Otways. We are experiencing increased temperatures, extended dry periods, and a higher risk of catastrophic fire. SOLN’s activities serve to bind the community in a collective effort and are an essential component of community and ecological resilience.
You can contribute to this important work by sharing your skills and interests…[more]