1.76 Million Down Under

Farm dams are the major source of water for livestock and crop irrigation in agricultural landscapes around Australia. With increasing global demand for reliable freshwater supplies, farm dams are expanding rapidly often dominating the cumulative surface area of continental waters. Further, well-managed farm dams are pivotal assets for water management, food security, and ecological sustainability. Yet, overlooked for centuries, these ecosystems remain unmanaged releasing large amounts of GHG like carbon dioxide and methane. This research explores how farm dams can be transformed to rewarding ecosystems by adopting nature-based solutions. Looking ahead, as the climate change intensifies and agricultural water needs rise, the sustainable management of farm dams will become increasingly vital for a resilient and productive future.