Post on 14-Apr-2017
PROTECTING WHAT IS LEFT: MAKING LOCAL PERSPECTIVES OF UNCERTAINTY COUNT IN CLIMATE ADAPTATION PLANNING
CSIRO, Koinmerburrra and Yuibera Aboriginal Corporations
LAND AND WATER
Pethie Lyons, Ro Hill, Samarla Deshong, Gary Mooney
January 2016
Project ContextProject: Wet Tropics Climate Cluster Project (in the
Great Barrier Reef Catchment)
Natural Resource Management Body: Reef Catchments NRM Pty
Resources Provided: Modelled informationWestern Science Knowledge and Skills
Focus of project: Collaborative project to develop indigenous component of regional climate adaptation plan
Wet Tropics Climate Cluster
Initial Considerations: Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Change
Worldview and framing of climate change
Intersection climate change with existing livelihood challenges
Impact of climate change on cultural resources
Documenting and Sharing Knowledge
Research Approach of Engaging New Partners
Key Question at EngagementWhat are we offering Traditional Owners in this climate project?
ApproachCollaborative and negotiated
including:- camping on country;-mapping;- recording and sharing knowledge;
and- developing strategies for action.
Uncertainties embedded in a colonial past
Cape Palmerston and Hillsborough
Asked that we meet on country to:
Demonstrate values through sharing
Work together on country and see country
Record sites & stories in key cultural areas and evidence of occupation
Protect aboriginal sites for mob and future generations
Raise awareness of culture
Cape Hillsborough
Cape Palmerston
Shared Country
Being on-country: Uncertainties in Experiences of Change and Loss
Cape Palmerston
Seagrass beds
Uncertainties under Multiple Pressures that are Changing the Condition of Country
Uncertainties as part of everyday life
Narrative to Protect What is Left Under:Continuing impacts of colonisation
Economic development
Trend of out-migration
Short-term partnerships
Limited inclusion in decision-making and in on-ground work
Source: Reef Catchments NRM Pty
Social Sensitivity and Adaptive Capacity
Uncertainty and the Need to Act has always been present
Protect What is LeftNeed to act has always been present
Climate adaptation plan to include existing NRM issues
Projection and Risk MapsHighlighted the scale perspective of
Western science and limits to access.
Useful when they can be tested and understood on ground
Maps adapted into the narrative to protect what is left
Source: Reef Catchments NRM Pty
Environmental Sensitivity and Adaptive Capacity
Narratives Reveal Importance of Identity in Change
‘Protect what is left’ is to protect what is not lost and strengthen connection to country and culture
Context and local narratives critical to making sense of climate change
Indigenous narratives reinforce importance of identity
Relationships to address Climate Change and Future Uncertainties are Needed Now
Partnerships across agencies schools, different levels of government & private sector
Long-term partnerships at enduring scales (e.g. ecological system GBR)
Recognition and Inclusion of Traditional Owners in important decision spaces
Land and Water Flagship
Thank you
LAND AND WATER FLAGSHIP