Wetlands are a critical part of our natural environment. They protect our shores from wave action, reduce the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and improve water quality.

Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth, with 70% of the land mass declared an arid zone. Spanning five million square kilometres, this zone is one of the most exposed areas on the planet.

Australia is an island continent boasting nearly 35,000 kilometres of coastline. Humans come to the seaside to relax, but for tens of thousands of species that live and breed on our coast, it's a battleground.

While forests only cover 16% of Australia's land area, they harbour a higher concentration of animal species than anywhere else on the continent. (Final)