The scale and urgency of action required for the future health of the Reef prompts new approaches. It is recognised that communities have the potential to make a stronger contribution to Reef health. While multiple plans and frameworks guide the conservation and management of the Reef, there are no specific approaches to guide strengthening community action.  

Many organisations and groups work with, or represent community members, and provide multiple opportunity for individuals to contribute to Reef stewardship. Those who give their time want to see their efforts (data, knowledge, and actions) contribute to inform decisions about Reef management and drive measurable positive change.  

However, the activities of these groups may be fragmented, with many organisations working in isolation, which may limit their impact. It is argued that enabling these groups to collaborate more effectively can strengthen their capacity to engage and empower communities, and in turn, strengthen the benefits of community action for the Reef.  

• The program is a tool to help foster community ownership of Reef protection planning and action.
• The CAP development process is helping to strengthen the quality of how communities are engaged in Reef protection actions.
• Given the early stages of the program, there were fewer reported observation about an increase in how community contribution to planning and decision making is recognised and valued.
• The program is showing signs of improving place-based community engagement to strengthen outcomes for the Reef.
• A key outcome of the CAP development process articulated by CAP Leaders was the opportunity to develop new relationships and strengthen existing relationships with community partners to support ongoing action.