CANBERRA, ACT, Aug. 8 -- Murray-Darling Basin Authority issued the following news release:

We already know that visiting national parks and being in nature is good for our mental health. However, we do not know whether visiting rivers and wetlands has the same positive benefits. A recent Murray-Darling Water and Environment Research Program project investigated this effect.

The Murray-Darling Basin covers an area of more than one million square kilometres and is home to 2.4 million Australians. It includes over 30,000 wetlands and 23 major rivers. Researchers surveyed over 6,000 Basin residents.

They found people visit the Basin for:

* connection with places of personal, spiritual or historical significance * recreation and exercise * social and family gatherings * wildlife watching * inspiration - for example, creation of art, including photography, drawing, painting, etc.

The research found people felt happier, calmer and more mentally restored after their visit, providing a clear indication of some of the mental health benefits associated with visiting Basin waterways.

Additionally, the research showed people engaging in water management received greater positive mental wellbeing benefit. These people often attend local meetings, undertake research and discuss water management. The findings highlight the importance of involving local communities in water management decision making, not just to benefit the rivers, but also for the benefit of communities.

The research discovered that the condition of the waterways also matters. There was a reduction in mental wellbeing in wetlands where there there was declining birdlife and dying vegetation. This highlights the importance of preserving our waterways and the wildlife they support.

This research used new ways to explore the link between waterways and mental health. It is the first time mental health has been measured against freshwater Basin ecosystems. The results could lead to better public health policy and improved water management planning.

This research was supported through funding from the Australian Government Murray-Darling Water and Environment Research Program (MD-WERP).



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