Participation and Collaboration

Research Themes

Participation and collaboration

Our research examines citizen science and other participatory models where community members are involved in environmental monitoring and research. We explore the social impacts of these programs and how they provide entry points for broader citizenship activities and collective action for the environment.

The PROTECT project established the first systematic monitoring framework to track community Reef stewardship across the Great Barrier Reef. By combining social science with AI-driven data collection, the project mapped over 650 stewardship programs and identified the key motivations and actions of local residents. This collaboration delivered a public monitoring portal and a practical “Theory of Change” guide to help managers design more impactful initiatives. Ultimately, PROTECT provides the baseline data needed to foster a “Healthy Reef” and “Healthy People” in alignment with the Reef 2050 Plan.

The Best Practice Evaluation of Place-Based Approaches project is a comprehensive impact assessment designed to evaluate how regional investment models contribute to environmental and social outcomes in Great Barrier Reef catchments. By examining “place-based” projects, the research identifies how local collaboration can be optimised to improve water quality and community wellbeing.

The Threatened Species Recovery Teams project examines how experts from various sectors collaborate with the government to protect Queensland’s most vulnerable species. By applying a collaborative governance framework, the project identifies strategies to strengthen these partnerships and improve conservation outcomes for threatened wildlife.

The Supporting Indigenous Fire Management project (often referred to as the Bunya project) is a collaborative socio-ecological partnership designed to support First Nations land and fire management. By combining traditional knowledge with ecological research, the project aims to demonstrate the benefits of cultural burning for biodiversity and ecosystem health in southern Queensland.

The Community Action Plan program is a pilot program that aims to improve the engagement of the broader community in the protection of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA) by establishing shared goals for community Reef protection, designing better ways to work together, identifying critical projects, and measuring and celebrating community outcomes.

Understanding People and Nature

Research That Makes a Difference

We explore how people connect with the environment from urban green spaces to ocean reefs, and develop strategies to promote conservation stewardship and meaningful engagement with the natural world. Through citizen science, community partnerships, and innovative communication strategies, we’re working to strengthen the connections between people and nature for lasting conservation impact.