Our
Story.
Background.
Indigenous Knowledge – an understanding of ecological processes and their management based on thousands of years of lived experience – is a different world view to Western Scientific Knowledge. Both knowledge systems are essential for genuine co-management and protection of natural, cultural, and socio-economic resources within marine parks. Different beliefs, aspirations and how people connect with, use, or value these resources can impact how knowledge is shared, how decisions are made and planning for management of these resources.
Mission.
The project is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary research project which, following principles of two-way knowledge exchange, aims to advance equity in marine park co-management and enhance shared custodianship of Saltwater Country.
Vision.
Globally, Australia is significant place for shared marine resources in cross-cultural settings. In Northern Australia, Traditional Owners have strong cultural connections to, and a long-standing tradition of harvesting green turtles and dugongs. These culturally important species are also protected, as well as vital for tourism operators and the health of natural ecosystems.
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The project will identify and map how turtles, dugongs and humans all use Yawuru Saltwater Country, which is in and around Broome in Western Australia. Where do they go? What do they do there? Why? Are these uses compatible with each other? How can the research be communicated? How can it help ongoing connection to Country and improve broader community understanding of cultural responsibility?
Driven by Yawuru priorities, this project will provide the necessary data and a blueprint to support effective two-way knowledge sharing and equitable decision making in the future.
Partners & affiliates.
Funded by the Western Australian Government Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation, the project is formally endorsed as a Decade Action as part of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021 - 2030. The project receives additional support from the Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), Rio Tinto and the National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Marine and Coastal Hub, and involves collaboration between Murdoch University, Nyamba Buru Yawuru, The University of Notre Dame Australia's Nulungu Research Institute, DBCA, James Cook University's TropWater, Edith Cowan University, The University of Western Australia, and Sea Country Solutions.
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