On the 3 and 4 of November 2022, the Social Science Community for the Great Barrier Reef delivered its second annual symposium in Brisbane, hosted by the University of Queensland.
The symposium titled “Inspire and Influence: Collectively Shaping a Future for the Reef” brought together 130 attendees from 40 organisations, including national and international attendees.
Keynote speakers included John Tapim, Director of TUMRA at the Reef Authority, who led by discussing the history and future of Sea Country co-management, and Dr Rohan Lloyd, Reef historian, JCU, who spoke about the Reef’s history of protection and how it remains a source of hope and inspiration.
- Three workshops were run during the event:
- Social science for Reef management
- Whole of system values framework
- Social science with Traditional Owners.
Attendees felt that the space was respectful and inclusive and appreciated the opportunity to network and discuss.
The forum raised challenges facing the Social Science community, including the complexity and clash between environmental and funding objectives, understanding the landscape and players and the need to bring stakeholders along through meaningful engagement.
Overall, the event was a great success, providing a platform for attendees to share knowledge and learn from others in an inclusive forum. The 2023 event will be held in Cairns from 11 - 13 September.
For more information on future events, please contact science@gbrmpa.gov.au