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Develop a framework to incorporate cultural indicators to inform natural resource management.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Incorporating people and culture in environmental management strategies can result in improved environmental and social outcomes. Cultural priorities can complement and strengthen economic and environmental outcomes.
EXAMPLES OF LOCAL ACTION
Incorporate cultural outcomes and considerations into existing programs eg. Green-Blue Stimulus Package.
Develop and support involvement in environmental markets with cultural outcomes.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Environmental markets can provide sustainable income generation as well as social, cultural and environmental outcomes.
Establish meaningful partnerships with Traditional Owners to support active participation in all aspects of natural resource management, for improved natural and cultural outcomes.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Local Traditional Owners hold many thousands of years of traditional ecological knowledge in their stories and culture and their contribution to natural resource management can be significant. Incorporating Traditional knowledge results in an holistic approach that considers all aspects of the landscape, from climate, wildlife, plants, culture, seasons and people.
EXAMPLES OF LOCAL ACTION
Establish an independent body to coordinate and facilitate cooperation and involvement across the region.
Establish a Tribal Ecologist’s Network or Council of Elders to advise and support TO involvement in all aspects of project planning and implementation.
Co-design a management plan for the Wet Tropics, with Traditional Owners and other stakeholders.
Incorporate cultural knowledge in natural crocodile population management.
Support and expand Traditional Owner involvement in projects like Mangrove Watch.
Support access to training and skills development programs to build capacity in local Traditional Owner communities and expand employment opportunities.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Investing in training and skills development provides opportunities for Traditional Owners to contribute meaningfully to working on Country, with environmental, social and cultural outcomes.
EXAMPLES OF LOCAL ACTION
Expand Traditional Owner ranger programs, with appropriate training and wages.
Promote fire management training to support skilled cultural fire crews.
Provide funding to support innovation programs that investigate and test unique approaches to complex issues.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Some of the most needed actions and outcomes do not easily fit into the usual criteria for funding applications. Supporting and trialing innovative ideas and finding new approaches can result in solutions to complex issues.
Conduct environmental projects with economic benefits, such as carbon farming, Reef and Biodiversity Credits, utilising compost in landscape or Waste to Energy (byproducts to fuel).
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Smart green projects can benefit the economy as well as the environment. Our region is well-placed to think outside the square and take advantage of these opportunities, with the possibility for financial, social, cultural and environmental outcomes.
EXAMPLE OF LOCAL ACTION
Set up demo site for Waste to Energy project.
Complete catchment management plans for Saltwater Creek, Fearnley Creek Drain and others in coastal locations to identify and mitigate climate change impacts.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Rising sea levels and an increase in adverse weather conditions could threaten urban and rural locations with inundations. Natural solutions, like riparian revegetation and stabilisation, can help mitigate impacts.
Increase understanding of the impacts of climate change on natural systems and identify appropriate management actions.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Changing climatic conditions will create additional threats to natural systems, which are already at risk from declining condition and extent. New reference points and decision frameworks for restoration may be required, which factor in climate change impacts.
Build resilience to climate change through natural solutions like plantings, greening cities, restoring corridors and utilising traditional land management knowledge.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Climate change adaptation strategies can build resilience and minimise impacts of severe weather events. Many local governments in coastal areas in the Wet Tropics have completed Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategies. Actions from these strategies now need to be implemented in a timely, scientifically based and cooperative manner.
EXAMPLE OF LOCAL ACTION
Increase plantings of native trees and bushes in urban areas to provide cooling.
Identify and implement actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for climate change mitigation in the Wet Tropics.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
While climate change adaptation strategies are critical to build resilience to the inevitable effects of climate change, reducing emissions is vital if the amount of change globally and within our region is to be limited. Climate change mitigation precedes and complements adaptation strategies.
Establish biosecurity protocols to allow rapid response to evolving pest species, avoid new species establishing and manage the impact of existing pests.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Comprehensive and continuous biosecurity measures are required to quickly identify new potential pests and conduct control measures before they become a major problem. Ongoing awareness and cooperative management programs across tenures, involving private landholders, government and industry, ensures the impacts of established pests are minimised (eg. cats, dogs, pigs, weeds and diseases).
EXAMPLES OF LOCAL ACTION
Conduct community education to raise awareness of invasive species, including those that are readily available for purchase.
Prohibit the sale and promotion of pest species eg. through the aquarium trade (eg. frogbit), nurseries and agriculture (some invasive pasture species).
Use the learnings and momentum from pest ant control programs and apply to new biosecurity risks.
Restore and protect aquatic habitats and stream-beds, for fish homes and passage.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Many fish stocks are in decline due to a range of threats. Making sure that spawning grounds are accessible will support sustainable fish populations. Many other semi-aquatic species, like platypus and turtles, will also benefit from healthier aquatic habitats and riparian zones.
To avoid road collisions, platypus and turtles need safe ways to cross culverts. Stabilising banks and repairing steeply eroded areas will also improve access to waterways for these animals.
EXAMPLES OF LOCAL ACTION
Advocate for wider riparian zones in council planning.
Build in safe culvert crossings for fish, turtles and platypus in all roadworks.
Work with recreational fishing groups to help spread the message further and engage relevant stakeholders.