June 21, 2024: In a major boost to marine conservation, The University of Western Australia (UWA) and First Nations partners have been awarded over $650,000 for two projects aimed at enhancing the monitoring and management of Australian marine parks by Traditional Owner groups.
One project will involve UWA partnering with six saltwater Bibbulmun Noongar groups in Western Australia’s South West. This collaboration aims to build and share knowledge of culturally significant marine life and set management priorities for Sea Country. The second project will see UWA working with the Mayala Inninalang Aboriginal Corporation to monitor and protect key reef species, such as trochus, a type of sea snail.
The funding announcement was made at the UWA Oceans Institute by Patrick Gorman MP and Senator Sue Lines, alongside project leads Dr. Matt Navarro and Dr. Tim Langlois from the Oceans Institute, and Traditional Owner project partners.
“The Waatu Wardan Kaartdijin project represents a major partnership across saltwater Bibbulmun Noongar peoples, ensuring Traditional Owner culture is incorporated into the management of the Australian Marine Parks,” said Dr. Navarro. “The funding will be key to helping share Sea Country knowledge and supporting leadership from First Nations people in managing and setting priorities for these marine parks.”
The Mayala Inninalang project, led by Drs. Jane Prince, Renae Hovey, and Matilda Murley, will establish a monitoring program for Traditional Owners to manage their offshore marine resources, focusing on culturally significant intertidal invertebrate species. Dr. Murley highlighted that the project would also benchmark marine biodiversity in the Kimberley Marine Park.
“The project will allow the Mayala people to visit and connect with remote parts of their Sea Country and enable them to effectively manage these pristine marine ecosystems,” Dr. Murley said.
The funding is part of the Australian Government’s Our Marine Parks Round 4 program, which includes over $2 million for eight projects across WA. These initiatives aim to enhance the understanding and management of marine parks through partnerships with Traditional Owners and other stakeholders.
“UWA’s involvement in two of the eight funded projects underscores the University’s commitment to collaborative, culturally informed environmental stewardship,” Dr. Navarro said. “These partnerships highlight the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with Western scientific research and set a precedent for future collaborative efforts in marine conservation.”
The collaboration aims to address marine conservation challenges while promoting economic development and strengthening health security across the continent, reflecting a holistic approach to environmental and cultural sustainability.
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