South Coast NRM Actions
Restoring Connections
Project: Restoring Connections Between People and Land
South Coast NRM project in partnership with South West Catchments Council
Project Coordinator :: David Guilfoyle
South Coast NRM, in partnership with the South Coast Catchments Council (SWCC), has secured Regional Competitive Component NHT funding for a three year project to strengthen participation by Noongar people across a range of NRM activities and to facilitate people of diverse backgrounds being part of country that, through an increased understanding of the relationship between culture and environment, accelerates and improves the work of NRM and restoration.
Six specific places in the South West and South Coast Regions will be utilised to teach the sharing of knowledge and create better understandings of the cultural legacy provided by Indigenous society. Gathering and building on the knowledge of Indigenous elders and integrating this with current work in land management and restoration will assist in meeting NRM aims in these Regions, activities which are recognised as a high priority for biodiversity, land and water conservation.
Project Map:
The map below outlines core projects being implemented as part of the Restoring Connections Project. Please contact the Project Coordinator for more information or if you have any comments/suggestions. Please note that these are the core projects only. There are other projects developing in partnership, and as we look toward more strategic integration of cultural heritage activities across the Region.
Click the map to view larger version:
Project Background:
Project Activities:
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To ensure benefits from NHT investment is maximized through integration and combined support from stakeholders and community
- To ensure effective partnerships between stakeholders including from government, industry and the community working towards the targets arising from the Regional NRM Strategy
Key Areas of Operation:
Consultation
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Establish and operate an appropriate and agreed consultation network and process
Place Identification
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Identify project areas that link cultural landscapes
Communication
- Communicate cross-regional and cross-cultural information that builds greater awareness of Noongar culture, for example:
- events in project areas centred around Noongar seasonal changes
- specific publications
- cross cultural training and skills building programs for stakeholders, NRM Coordinators and others
- dynamic documentation of the process using a range of meda including print and web-base
- Spread the word through cross regional exchanges
Restoring Places
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Identify specific cultural management needs
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Protect from degrading NRM processes
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Coordinate activities to recognise, celebrate and interpret the stories of that country
Industry Development
- Develop culture and bush-based industries, including:
- commercial establishment of native plant industries through integration of cultural and scientific knowledge
- expansion of cultural and environmental tourism.
- establishment and maintenance of these industries as training and employment opportunities for Indigenous communities
- restoration and/or development of ‘trail networks’ that enrich knowledge and use of the cultural landscape
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Present monitoring and evaluation reports to project Steering Committee
- Quarterly and six monthly reports to Steering Committee, South Coast NRM and SWCC
- Place and specific project area evaluations as agreed in the planning process.