Holistically managing the values of the GBR: the Whole-of-System, Values-Based Framework | Miller
Holistically managing the values of the Great Barrier Reef: Lessons learned from applying the Whole-of-System, Values-Based Framework
Rachel L Miller (Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation)
Humans highly value different aquatic ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef and its catchments for the variety of biophysical, social, economic and cultural services they provide. Yet, humans are also impacting these same systems through a range of direct activities such as development and changes in land use, and indirectly through the impacts of climate change. Understanding the parts of a system (e.g. the components), how it works (e.g. the processes), how they operate within the landscape at multiple scales, and the services and values they provide, are critical to developing appropriate management activities. The Whole of- System, Values-Based Framework (the Framework) uses a holistic, integrated management approach to achieve outcomes that consider the biophysical environment alongside social, economic and cultural outcomes at multiple temporal and spatial scales. Although the Framework has underpinned the work of the Queensland Wetlands Program (coordinated by the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation) for 20 years, it has not been implemented through a full catchment planning approach. Through collaborations with on-ground regional partners, this presentation demonstrates the lessons learned from the development of a plan based on the Framework, including a preview of templates for applying the Framework to other systems within and outside of the Reef. Continuous adaptation of the Framework informed by the lessons learned through its application makes the Whole-of-System, Values-Based Framework a tool that can promote collaboration and foster creative solutions that promote the continuity of the Reef and the ecosystems within its catchment.
Dr. Rachel Miller is a Senior Project Officer in the Wetlands Unit of the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI). Rachel is an environmental social scientist who is passionate about promoting stakeholder engagement to enhance biologically appropriate and socially equitable conservation outcomes. At DESI, Rachel has played an integral role in developing the social science components of the Whole-of- System, Values-Based Framework, including developing web content about ecosystem services, values, and beneficiaries, and expanding the overall social science portfolio of the Wetlands Unit.
Co-authors: Matthew Griffiths (Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation), Liz Owen (Jaragun EcoServices), Dennis Ah-Kee (Jaragun EcoServices), Mike Ronan (Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation)