CRA Schools Wetland Challenge

A School Initiative for Ecological Action, Connection and Care

Inspired by Laudato Si’, the Challenge invites schools and communities to show love for all creation by taking meaningful action to protect and care for the wetlands that sustains our communities and ecosystems.

Each wetland cared for represents:

💧 A commitment to protecting our precious wetland

🌎 A practical expression of integral ecology and Laudato Si’

🎓 A meaningful, real-world learning experience for students

🌱 A sign of hope and care for generations to come

By participating, students don’t just learn about ecological responsibility — students (and everyone) experience it, live it, and help make a difference in their local community. For more information abut the CRA Schools Wetland Challenge, please read the Frequently Asked Questions.

What is a Wetland?

Wetlands are found all around us and include far more than traditional marshes or swamps. Using the broad United Nations definition, all waterways can be classified as wetlands.

This includes:

  • Rivers and lakes

  • Marshes and swamps

  • Floodplains and peatlands

  • Estuaries and mangroves

  • Lagoons and coral reefs

  • Saltwater marshes

  • Human-made wetlands such as fishponds, rice paddies and salt pans

Every wetland is part of the interconnected web of creation and provides an opportunity for our schools and communities to learn, connect and take action.

Track Our Growing Impact

Discover the Wetlands We Are Caring For Together

Explore our interactive map to discover how schools and communities across Australia are connecting with and caring for their local Wetland.

As more schools take part, the map will grow — helping us see just how many wetlands across Australia can say they are loved and cared for by our schools and communities.

We encourage you to report your activities and progress by clicking the Report Your Progress button below

Report Your Progress
Frequently Asked Questions

Growing a greener future together

You’ll notice the tree symbols currently shown on the map are tracking our progress with our “10,000 for 10” initiative. Wetlands will also be added to the map and shown in green, alongside the tree symbols, helping us identify the different ecosystems we have protected and cared for. We continue to encourage schools to play their part in regenerating our ecosystems through tree planting and caring for the natural environment. Every tree planted and wetland protected is a step towards a healthier, more sustainable future for our communities and our common home.

For more information, please email secretariat@catholicreligious.org.au.