1

People and ecosystems

Understanding of the links between coral reef ecosystems, the goods and services they provide to people, and the wellbeing of human societies.

2

Ecosystem dynamics: past, present and future

Examining the multi-scale dynamics of reefs, from population dynamics to macroevolution

3

Responding to a changing world

Advancing the fundamental understanding of the key processes underpinning reef resilience.

Coral Bleaching

Coral Bleaching

Coral Reef Studies

From 2005 to 2022, the main node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies was headquartered at James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland (Australia)

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Event

Transformative Policy Reform and the Great Barrier Reef: lessons from the 1999-2004 rezoning process

When

Tuesday 28th July 11:00 to 12:00 hrs (AEST)

location
https://jcu.zoom.us/j/92637085574?pwd=Wm85dm1pOEFnUEtXMVlSenVwYm52UT09
Presenter
Jon Day
Jon Day

Abstract: Transformative environmental policy reform at a system-wide scale has received minimal attention as an academic research focus. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003, released in July 2004, was the outcome of such a transformative policy reform.  The Representative Areas Program (or RAP as it became known), was a highly publicised and extremely contentious program of policy reform over five years.  The resulting multiple-use zoning plan covered the entire GBR and included a revised network of no-take zones (known locally as green zones), protecting the full range of biodiversity in zones representing all habitat types. Prior to this research, no comprehensive assessment had been undertaken of the actual policy process or assessed the key determinants that led to the successful policy reform.  To investigate this real-world example of environmental policy reform, I conducted in-depth interviews with GBR policy actors across multiple levels and sectors. This presentation will focus on five research questions that I addressed, namely:

  • the role of science and scientists in the RAP/rezoning
  • the role of leadership (at all levels/sectors, not just within GBRMPA)
  • the role of public engagement with the GBR community; how did that engagement occur?
  • the broad political context and governance around the RAP/rezoning
  • an overall assessment of the level of success of the RAP/rezoning.

My research has contributed to the historical record while providing valuable lessons for future environmental planning and conservation policy reform.

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