Schools in the Townsville region are set to get a boost as two environmental agencies officially join forces to expand an innovative environmental education  program.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM (BDTNRM) are working together to support more schools getting onboard with the Reef Guardian Schools Program in the Townsville region.

The partnership was launched when the organisations welcomed Mundingburra  State School as the newest recruit to the action-based education program.

GBRMPA Chairman Russell Reichelt said the launch at the school showed the close collaboration between the two organisations was already reaping rewards for local schools, particularly smaller schools in the region. “We’re delighted to work with Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM to give more schools in the Townsville region the opportunity and support to get involved in on-ground Reef protection projects,” he said.

BDTNRM CEO Bob Frazer said working with the GBRMPA to get students involved in Reef protection was an important way to ensure this great Australian icon is protected for the future and to help them understand that our actions throughout the entire Burdekin Dry Tropics Region have an impact on the Great Barrier Reef.

The Reef Guardian Schools program is an education initiative of GBRMPA. Nowin its fourth year, the action-based education program involves more than 61 000 students in 148 schools across Queensland. As part of the program, schools develop on ground projects that actively help to protect the Reef.