TERN has formalised a strategic collaboration with the environmental research charity Earthwatch Australia to drive innovative approaches to environmental monitoring, citizen science, and ecosystem stewardship. (Image – BendiMedia)
Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the partnership will leverage Earthwatch’s grassroots community science engagement and TERN’s nation-scale research infrastructure to fill critical biodiversity data gaps—particularly in mangrove, wetland, and coastal ecosystems.
“This partnership is about bringing together the power of people and the precision of science,” said Fiona Sutton Wilson, CEO of Earthwatch Australia. “By harmonising citizen-collected data with national research systems, we are scaling community knowledge into science that supports resilient ecosystems and policy-ready insights.”
As outlined in the MoU, Earthwatch and TERN will explore collaborations in:
- Biodiversity monitoring using citizen science at key TERN sites
- National data integration aligned with FAIR and CARE principles
- Educational resource development and citizen science training
- Joint funding applications to support scalable, high-impact environmental initiatives
TERN Director Dr Beryl Morris emphasised the significance of the partnership: “This collaboration exemplifies how national research infrastructure can support community stewardship of Australia’s unique ecosystems. Together with Earthwatch, we are advancing the visibility, usability, and value of citizen science for the nation.”
The partnership will first focus on building and hosting a dedicated mangrove data platform, enhancing public access to vital environmental data.
With shared goals in ecosystem resilience, science education, and inclusive participation, this alliance sets a new benchmark for research-community collaboration.
Click here to learn read more about how Earthwatch Australia brings people, science and nature together to create positive behaviour change for the environment.
Earthwatch citizen scientists monitoring a long plot in Australian mangroves (image: Earthwatch Australia)
For enquiries, contact:
Earthwatch Australia – hello@earthwatch.org.au
TERN Australia – tern@uq.edu.au
Our thanks to Earthwatch Australia for preparing this media release and permission for TERN to post it.