Traditional Owners, citizen scientists and major reef tourism operators are motivated to restore and maintain coral ecosystems at their own sites, not just for economic or cultural reasons but also out of a real desire to improve the health of their patch of the Great Barrier Reef. These are the findings of a number of recent Tropical Water Quality Hub research projects, which looked at the attitudes of both Indigenous and tourism stakeholders in terms of engagement in reef restoration and tourism activities. While acknowledging that slowing climate change is essential for the reef’s ongoing health, major tourism operators feel responsibility to be good stewards, and Traditional Owners have cultural responsibilities to look after their sea country. These findings are being used by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to guide investment in a new wave of locally-driven Great Barrier Reef restoration efforts.
Photo: Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel