The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on the planet, visible from orbit, a two-thousand-kilometre lattice of coral built by animals smaller than a fingernail over many thousands of years. Behind it, the Queensland coast climbs quickly into the Wet Tropics, a rainforest that is the oldest continuously surviving on Earth, older than the Amazon, a living remnant of the forests of Gondwana.
The reef is in serious trouble and there is no honest way to soften that. Mass bleaching events, once rare, have arrived in rapid succession as ocean temperatures spike, and each one kills coral that needs a decade or more to recover, in a window that keeps closing. Agricultural runoff from the coastal catchments and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish compound the damage.
The organizations here fight to cut the runoff at its source in the sugarcane and grazing country inshore, restore coral and monitor reef health at a scale no other reef system has attempted, and defend the Wet Tropics behind it. They are working on the front line of what warming oceans do, and the world is watching the result.
Environmental Organizations in This Bioregion
37 organizations working across this landscape.
1% for the Planet France
La protection de l’environnement est le « parent pauvre » de la philanthropie ne représentant que 9% des sommes concernées par le mécénat. Et pourtant les problèmes ...
Aboriginal Carbon Foundation
The Aboriginal Carbon Foundation (AbCF) catalyses life-changing, community prosperity, through carbon farming.
Animal Liberation Qld
Animal Liberation Queensland (ALQ) is an independent animal rights organisation, founded in 1979, which advocates the rights of non-human animals so that they may ...
Australian Marine Conservation Society Inc.
We are the guardians and voice for marine life. We connect people, science and action to protect Australia’s extraordinary oceans.
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors was established in 2002 by Steve and Terri Irwin as a way to include and involve other caring people in the protection of injured, t...
Barung Landcare
By supplying locally sourced native plants through our well established native nursery, connecting people through our diverse education and engagement programs, and ...
BridgIT Water Foundation
High quality plus low cost safe, clean water projects in the developing world equals truly effective altruism for BridgIT Water Foundation contributors.
Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
CTRC is a totally voluntary organisation dedicated to Rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine turtles brought in suffering injuries and disease.
Capricorn Coast Marine Community Inc
Capricorn Coast Marine Community provides response to Marine Turtle Strandings on the Great Barrier Reef. Provide education and awareness in this area.
Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef
Uniting science, technology, innovation and people-people to drive real conservation impact
ClimateForce
In the world’s oldest rainforest, The Daintree, ClimateForce is piloting a program to scale organic tropical rainforest regeneration around the globe.
Co-Exist Australia
Co-Exist Australia is a not-for-profit organisation with conservation and education at its core. Our vision is to inspire generations to co-exist with wildlife and w...
Eco Barge Clean Seas
Eco Barge is a not-for-profit environmental organisation, and a Registered Charity dedicated to engaging our community to preserve and protect the breathtaking mari...
Great Barrier Reef Foundation
The Great Barrier Reef Foundation collaborates w science, community, industry and govt to find and grow conservation & restoration solutions for coral reefs
Great Barrier Reef Legacy
Great Barrier Reef Legacy is an innovative leader in collaborative coral reef research expeditions, education, stewardship and multi-media engagement.
Helping Paws Adoption Program
Helping Paws Adoption Program is a registered not-for-profit charity with the aim of saving cats and dogs who need that extra special care. With the help of voluntee...
Museum of Underwater Art
The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) - Inspiring reef conversations
No More Butts
At No More Butts, our vision is for "A world without tobacco waste"
Ocean Crusaders Foundation LTD
Australia's Premier Waterway Cleaning Team
People For Nature
People for Nature is a citizen-led non-profit organisation empowering individuals and communities to take meaningful action for the planet. We transform complex s...
Queensland Conservation Council
Queensland Conservation Council is the leading independent voice for the environment in Queensland.
Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
Sea Turtle Medical Clinic and Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre
Reef Check Australia
Reef Check Australia is an innovative environmental charity dedicated to providing ways for the community to better understand, appreciate and protect oceans and ma...
Reef Restoration Foundation
We bolster resilience on coral reefs and speed up the process of recovery to slow the rate of change and allow species to adapt to a changing environment.
Resource Recovery Network
We, the collective community of Townsville, recognize the urgent need to take bold and decisive action to protect our environment, preserve our precious Great Barrie...
Sea Turtle Foundation
Sea Turtle Foundation has a mission to: "Safeguard sea turtle populations, migration routes and habitats, and support activities that increase sea turtle numbers wor...
SolarBuddy (Australia)
With a vision to illuminate the futures of all children, SolarBuddy is dedicated to ending energy poverty; delivering on both environmental and social justice.
Stationery Aid Ltd
Waste reduction - reuse of stationery and school supplies
Sunshine Coast Environment Council
The Sunshine Coast Environment Council is the peak environmental advocacy organisation that works to protect and restore the natural environment.
Veterinarians for Climate Action
We mobilise the Australian veterinary profession and broader animal care community to tackle the climate crisis within and beyond our sector.
Wangan Jagalingou Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
To achieve culturally and spiritually sustainable and enriched self-governance and self-sufficiency for our people and our land and water.
Whitsunday Marine Conservation Inc.
Whitsunday Marine Conservation Inc. is an environmental charity focused on protecting and preserving marine habitats and wildlife of the Great Barrier Reef.