TK & Marine Management
Many Pacific Island communities have traditionally used area-based restrictions to facilitate the recovery of marine resources. Although there is increasing recognition of the value of these management systems in conservation programmes, government legislation is sometimes in conflict with community resource allocation systems, and traditional community-based efforts may not be recognised for their contribution to national and international marine protected area (MPA) strategies and targets. This activity is currently preparing a publication that explores the role of traditional marine resources management in meeting both the goals of communities and those of national and international conservation strategies.
Further marine activities considered include:
- Developing the use of traditional knowledge and locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) as a basis for community-based climate change adaptation strategies in Pacific Island Countries;
- Developing mechanisms for balancing ecological considerations with representativeness and equity when developing and managing marine protected areas in Northern Queensland and the Pacific region;
- Working with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) to promote indigenous involvement in GBMPA management of coral reefs throughout the Pacific region;
- Mapping and analysis of the coverage of existing international and regional treaties, human uses and biodiversity in marine areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction; and
- Collaborating with the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) develop ecosystem-based management of entire Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) to ensure adequate indigenous participation in management.
