Promoting Conservation Stewardship

Research Themes

Promoting Conservation Stewardship

Our research explores which stewardship activities should be prioritised, promoting uptake across the broader community, and exploring how experiences of stewardship can influence people to get more involved.

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 Pathways to Promoting Stewardship project established an evidence-based framework for prioritising community actions to protect biodiversity. By quantifying both the environmental impact and the likelihood of public uptake for various behaviours, the project provides a strategic roadmap for designing more effective conservation campaigns.

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.

This project integrates fine-scale water quality monitoring with targeted extension to improve pesticide management in the Mackay-Whitsunday region. By linking local groundwater data to farm-level practices, the project fosters a resilient stewardship mindset that protects both the Great Barrier Reef and local community health.

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.