How can farmers improve livestock production, support biodiversity and reduce farm emissions all at the same time?
The answer is enhancing farm dams.
Well-planned fencing and watering systems can improve stock health, reduce the spread of disease, and make grazing management more efficient.
Keeping stock out of waterways prevents dung and urine from entering the system, improving water quality and reducing the risk of algal blooms.
Planting native vegetation around dams not only enhances water quality but also provides valuable habitat for frogs, fish, birds and beneficial insects.
These species contribute to natural pest control and crop pollination.
Altogether, healthier wetlands support greater biodiversity and build your property’s resilience to climate change.
In partnership with South West NRM, Leschenault Catchment Council (LCC) is hosting an event on Thursday, 26 June at the Burekup Hall to raise awareness about these benefits.
The event will cover what enhancing a dam looks like and how emerging carbon and biodiversity markets could support landholders to fund this work in the future.
How does enhancing a farm dam link to carbon markets?
When manure and fertilisers enter a dam, it can become an emitter of greenhouse gases like methane.
However, by fencing and revegetating around dams it’s possible to significantly reduce these emissions — and in turn, the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. This opens up potential funding opportunities through emerging carbon markets.
A recent study found enhanced dams recorded lower levels of nitrogen and phosphorus and higher levels of dissolved oxygen.
The result was a 56% reduction in methane emissions compared to typical dams!
With governments around the world encouraging strategies that will reduce emissions, many businesses are looking for ways to offset their own emissions by supporting emission-reducing projects – including those on farms. Considering there are nearly 2 million dams across Australia, the opportunity is substantial.
To encourage this, the Australian Government is supporting the development of Carbon and Biodiversity Markets, where farm-based projects can attract sponsorship and trade carbon credits.
At the upcoming event, we’ll hear from a carbon market consultant and South West NRM about their new demonstration site at Thomson Brook, where they are monitoring changes in both greenhouse gas emissions and stock water quality.
You will also have the opportunity to look at examples of a local dam that has been fenced and revegetated and LCC will provide practical advice on planning and managing your next dam revegetation project.
To register interest and further details, email LCC’s Tony Battersby [email protected] or phone 0458 960 576.
This project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and delivered by South West NRM, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
