Understanding and monitoring Reef stewardship: a conceptual framework and approach for the Great Barrier Reef
January 1, 2025 - Hobman, Elizabeth V.; Dyer, Michelle; Stone-Jovicich, Samantha; Newlands, Maxine; Schultz, Tracy; Maclean, Kirsten; Benham, Claudia; Jones, Natalie; Dean, Angela J.
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EmailJournal or Book Title: AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
DOI:10.1080/14486563.2024.2439839
Abstract: In the context of the Great Barrier Reef (the Reef), the term stewardship is used to describe diverse contributions made by individuals and groups toward Reef protection and management. Systematic monitoring and evaluation of these diverse contributions is required to demonstrate their efficacy in improving outcomes for the Reef. This article details the culmination of two sequential projects that aimed to establish a conceptual framework of Reef stewardship to support the development of a Reef-specific stewardship monitoring plan. This work is a collaboration between researchers and Reef managers. Our proposed framework acknowledges the complexity of socio-ecological systems, emphasising relationships between, stewardship programs and initiatives, a range of enabling conditions, diverse stewardship actions and outcomes for both the Reef and people. The framework aims to improve the robustness of stewardship monitoring and evaluation, which, in turn, aims to assist Reef management efforts to improvements in Reef health. Although the framework is confined to Western scientific conceptions of stewardship, it has been developed with conscious intent to ensure complementarity with Indigenous-led Reef monitoring frameworks being developed.
Type of Publication: Article; Early Access