Adaptive management framework
Safeguarding the values of the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape – especially as climate changes - is based on Gunditjmara traditional knowledge and an adaptive management framework focused on enabling ongoing learning and adaptation by continually assessing the success of actions in meeting management objectives; and allowing for adjustment of management actions in the future to best achieve the management goals. Adaptive management aims to integrate specific components of management to provide a framework that systematically tests assumptions, promotes learning and continuous improvement, as well as providing timely information to support management decisions. It includes the use of monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement to enhance Gunditjmara learnings, implement a risk assessment approach, store and manage information, and use technology to assist in land management activities.
Lastly, this framework seeks to reinforce and encourage the connections between a healthy environment and a healthy society which are highlighted in the Gunditjmara principle of Ngootyoong Gunditj, Ngootyoong Mara (Healthy Country, Healthy People) which is closely aligned with that of Parks Victoria (Healthy Parks, Healthy People).
Classifications
Category
Scale of implementation
Phase of solution
Enabling factors
Shared coordination and cooperation within the adaptive management framework is enabled through the shared governance and decision-making by the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (GMTOAC), the Budj Bim Council and Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation. The adaptive management framework is activated through protected area plans of management, the World Heritage Nomination Dossier, and the Ngootyoong Gunditj Ngootyoong Mara South West Management Plan – Stone Country.
Lessons learned
The Framework allows for ongoing learning by continually assessing the success of actions in meeting management objectives and supporting adjustment to management actions in the future. The Framework requires the integration of various elements of management to provide an approach that systematically tests assumptions, promotes
learning and continuous improvement and provides timely information to support management decisions. Ultimately, the framework seeks to reinforce and foster connections between the Gunditjmara knowledge and practices of a healthy environment and a healthy society (Ngootyoong Gunditj, Ngootyoong Mara – Healthy Country, Healthy People).
The biggest lesson learned for creating an effective adaptive management framework has been engaging with the broader local community, including neighbouring land owners. This has been achieved by going out into communities (e.g. to deliver talks) and inviting communities onto Gunditjmara land to share management perspectives.
Gallery
Resources
Building Block Links
Part of the nature-culture solution
