The rangers of Crocodile Islands' mission is to protect the health of the environment and provide meaningful jobs on country. That same mission also lies at the heart of last year’s UN World Water Day: water and jobs.
Crocodile Islands' rangers program manager Warrick Angus, says the men and women working as rangers do so much more than maintain the area.
He says they work to keep the waters, a major source of food for the community, in a healthy condition for the local population of 1500 people.
Source: Supplied
Traditional owner and a Maringa man Jason Mewala says water is extremely important for them as saltwater people.
“The sea provides us with food and we respect the sea and have many sacred site in our seas,” he says.
He says there are two seasons, wet and dry, and without water, many things can die. “We see every dry season how important water is and in the wet season how much life it gives us. Water is living water and we all need to love it."
Source: Supplied
Warrick Angus is currently working with the government to get a fishing licence so his family can catch and sell fish, and help his community get further jobs.
“The sea has always provided for our people and now we are looking at the sea to help provide again, through jobs in a sustainable manner.”
World Water Day is a chance for people to learn more about water related issues, and inspire others to take action that makes a difference with themes set on current or future challenges.
The Rangers conducting research in order to obtain fishing licenses Source: John Skuja/Crocodile Islands Rangers
