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