Indigenous-led research reveals Cairns Airport mangroves’ positive climate impact

Yirrganydji Traditional Custodians have co-designed groundbreaking research revealing Cairns Airport’s 300 hectares of mangroves store more than 2000 tonnes of carbon annually.

A leading international journal has platformed a new study born out of the dense mangroves surrounding Cairns Airport. Pictured in the field are (back row, L-R) George Singleton, Gavin Singleton and Ashlyn Skeene with (front Row, L-R) Lucy Friend, Tarquin Singelton, Mathew Skeene and Professor Peter Macreadie. Credit: Through The Looking Glass, supplied by Cairns Airport.

A new scientific study focused on the dense mangroves surrounding the Cairns Airport has championed Indigenous-led environmental research.

The study highlighted the significance of maintaining tropical wetlands to slow climate change, with the 300 hectares of mangroves around the Cairns Airport storing more than 2000 tonnes of carbon every year.

The research was co-designed by Yirrganydji Traditional Custodians through the Land and Sea Ranger Program, alongside scientists from Blue Carbon Lab and RMIT University.

Scientists in conducting scientific research on the environmental impact of the mangroves surrounding the Cairns Airport. Supplied: Cairns Airport.

Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the airport’s location in the tropical Far North meant it was imperative for the business to protect and understand the local environment.

“The landscapes of Tropical North Queensland are world-renowned and our natural attractions, like the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, are key drawcards for visitors,” he said.

“Mangroves play an important role in the health of the overall system and protect the airport physically from storm surge and erosion.

“Critically, almost two years ago, we experienced first-hand the effects of severe natural disasters through the floods, and we understand how important it is to reduce our risks by strengthening our natural defences.

“The team at Cairns Airport is proud to support the important work being done on blue carbon research, as part of a range of strategies we’ve implemented to help fortify the environment and future proof our operations.”

Scientists in the mangroves surrounding Cairns Airport conducting field research. Supplied: Cairns Airport.

Yirrganydji man Brian Singleton, who led the project on behalf of the Yirrganydji Land and Sea Ranger Program, said the collaboration of cultural knowledge and scientific research in the study is what is most impactful.

“The project was special because it brought together our knowledge with scientific research, right here in a place that is deeply meaningful to us,” he said.

“For generations, Yirrganydji people, guided by our Elders and ancestors, have cared for Country and kept a strong connection to our mangrove systems.

“Seeing our young people demonstrate such dedication and knowledge made me proud … (and) we look forward to continuing this journey together.”

Scientists from RMIT and Blue Carbon Lab and members of the Yirrganydji Land and Sea Ranger Program study the mangroves surrounding Cairns Airport. Supplied: Cairns Airport.

Dr Micheli Costa, lead author of the study from RMIT University, said the project had improved capacity for long-term monitoring of mangroves, and would encourage ongoing local research.

“This project is about more than mangroves and carbon,” she said.

“It’s about showing what respectful, co-designed research can look like when Traditional Custodians, scientists, and industry work together with shared purpose.”

Originally published as Indigenous-led research reveals Cairns Airport mangroves’ positive climate impact