Evaluation of CoralWatch “What can I do” Platform

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Promoting Conservation Stewardship

Evaluation of CoralWatch “What can I do” Platform

The CoralWatch “What Can I Do?” Platform Evaluation assessed how a digital tool can translate Reef awareness into measurable conservation action. By evaluating user engagement and the platform’s ability to drive behaviour change, the project provides a blueprint for digital tools that empower citizens to contribute to Great Barrier Reef protection

About this project

This project evaluated the “What Can I Do?” (WCID) platform, a digital tool designed to help citizens identify and commit to actions that reduce threats to the Great Barrier Reef. It addressed the “action gap” by investigating how digital interfaces can move users from passive concern to active stewardship. The evaluation focused on user experience, the effectiveness of different action types, and the platform’s role in building a community of Reef advocates.

Our approach

The evaluation utilised a mixed-methods approach, combining website analytics, user surveys, and semi-structured interviews. We analysed how users interacted with various “action cards”—ranging from simple lifestyle changes to civic advocacy—to determine which prompts most effectively led to completed tasks. The project also applied behavioural science frameworks to identify barriers to digital engagement and opportunities for platform refinement.

Goals/key achievements

Key outcomes identified were:
  • User Engagement Insights: Identified that “entry-level” lifestyle actions serve as a critical gateway to more complex civic engagement.
  • Platform Validation: Confirmed that the digital platform significantly increased users’ sense of personal agency and Reef connection.
  • Action Tracking: Successfully tracked thousands of individual commitments, providing a data-driven snapshot of community stewardship efforts.
  • Design Recommendations: Developed a set of evidence-based design principles to enhance future digital conservation tools, focusing on gamification and social sharing.

Status

Completed.
The evaluation was completed in late 2024. The final report and recommendations have been integrated into CoralWatch’s digital strategy to guide the next phase of the platform’s development and broader community outreach.

Project Partners