A new study highlights how Indigenous leadership, science and business can unite to protect coastal ecosystems while building long-term environmental and cultural knowledge.
Published in Ocean & Coastal Management, the study found the 300 hectares of mangrove forest on the Barron River estuary around Cairns Airport – on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef – stores more than 2,000 tonnes of carbon annually, making ongoing care and monitoring of these and other coastal wetlands important for slowing climate change.
The research was co-designed by the Yirrganydji Traditional Custodians along with Blue Carbon Lab and RMIT University scientists and Cairns Airport.
Study lead author from RMIT University, Dr Micheli Costa, said the project was about more than just mangroves and carbon, it was about bringing together different forms of knowledge and strengthening capacity for long-term monitoring of ecosystem change by the Yirrganydji Land and Sea Ranger Program.
"It's about showing what respectful, co-designed research can look like when Traditional Custodians, scientists, and industry work together with shared purpose," she said.
"This collaboration created space for cultural leadership, capability building, and knowledge exchange; and that's what makes it truly impactful."
Yirrganydji man Brian Singleton, who led the project on behalf of the Yirrganydji Land and Sea Ranger Program, agreed.
"This 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. We're still learning about blue carbon, but now we have a better understanding of how our stewardship helps protect these places for future generations, and we are learning how to work together with a wide range of partners. We look forward to continuing this journey together."
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the airport's unique location made it vital for the business to do its part in protecting and understanding the environment, in addition to daily operations.
"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. Mangroves play an important role in the health of the overall system and protect the airport physically from storm surge and erosion," he said.
"Critically, almost two years ago, we experienced firsthand the effects of severe natural disasters through the floods, and we understand how important it is to reduce our risks by strengthening our natural defenses. 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 futureproof our operations."
Cairns Airport Environment Manager Lucy Friend said the study was the first of its kind at this scale in the area.
"This project was truly co-designed," she said.
"Working side-by-side in the mangroves gave us an opportunity to combine unique perspectives from the corporate sector, research, and Traditional Knowledge. That genuine collaboration strengthened the project and carried through to co-authoring and publishing the paper together, a first for many of us, and it produced stronger data and a study more relevant to everyone."
Mangrove forests in Far North Queensland are highly diverse, with more than 14 species co-existing in the tidal zone.
Blue Carbon Lab founder and now head of RMIT's Centre for Nature Positive Solutions, Professor Peter Macreadie, said the study would provide significant new data for projects across tropical Australia and encourage ongoing local research.
"Mangroves have been identified as a key natural climate solution and their conservation and restoration play an important role in emissions reduction," he said.
"This project was unique, because it was carried out collaboratively with members of Cairns Airport and the Yirrganydji Land and Sea Ranger Program. Working close together, we gained greater insight into the area's cultural significance and could provide the rangers with methods and equipment to enable ongoing studies around Cairns Airport."
'Indigenous stewardship and co-management in action: a case study on blue carbon from a mangrove ecosystem on the Great Barrier Reef' was published in Ocean & Coastal Management (DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2025.107971 )
