From the oceans to the mountains, let’s get to 30 x 30
Good news for our oceans!
In March 2026 Australian Parliament passed an Act to implement the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty (officially known as known as the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction). The Treaty applies to seas beyond the territory of individual countries — which covers about 60% of all the world’s oceans. International cooperation is needed to look after these waters, and the plants and animals that live there. Currently only around 1% of the high seas is protected in marine sanctuaries. The Treaty will play an important role in achieving the global 30 x 30 goal to protect 30% of land, freshwater, and marine environments by 2030.
Little possum, big story
Next time you’re reluctant to get up on a chilly Winter’s morning, spare a thought for the Mountain Pygmy Possum … as you read this, it will be hibernating under snow in alpine NSW and Victoria until Spring arrives. The possum is the only marsupial in the world known to store food and hibernate for extended periods (up to 7 months!).
This tiny animal has a body length of up to 11cm. In 1967 it was declared the rarest animal on earth by the Guinness Book of Records after a single possum was found in Victoria. Now there are believed to be about 2,500 adult possums in NSW and Victoria, including in Kosciuszko National Park.
But the Mountain Pygmy Possum is still an endangered species. Climate change is its biggest threat because drought, rising temperatures and bushfires have affected levels of water, snow cover and its favourite food (bogong moths) — all of which it needs to survive. The possum is also threatened by feral cats and foxes. Thankfully dedicated scientists, park rangers and volunteers are working to care for the possum population.
Bee buzzness
Did you know honey has natural anti-microbial properties? This means it can help heal bacterial infections! Recent 5-year-long research analysed the antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of 56 honey samples collected from a range of apiaries (beekeeping sites), including some recovering from the 2020 bushfires in NSW.
The research found that the antibacterial properties of honey are connected to the ecological richness of the environment — yet another reason to protect our native flora. Honey made from mixed floral sources had a superior performance against bacteria.
“Each nectar has its own unique chemical signature. When bees can forage on a smorgasboard of native plants, the mix combines to create honey chemically rich in bioactive compounds that are effective against bacteria.” (Dr Kenya Fernandes[CS2] )
Credit: Artist: Ivy Shih