Members of the Centre for Policy Futures, Dr Nicki Shumway, Rose Foster, Prof Brian Head, and Assoc Prof Pedro Fidelman, have produced a key publication on Governance Principles for Novel Reef Interventions. This work is part of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program and aims to:
Create awareness of the challenges regarding the governance of novel reef interventions.
Outline the benefits of using best practice principles and provide examples to inform governance.
Provide guidance to decision-makers, managers, scientists, Traditional Owners, and the community.
Why Do We Need Governance Principles?
In addition to carbon emissions reduction and best-practice conventional management, novel reef interventions may become critical to combat the unprecedented threats facing coral reefs. However, these interventions come with challenges, including ethical considerations, environmental impacts, and the need for coordinated efforts. Robust governance principles are crucial to navigate these complexities and ensure responsible development and deployment of these interventions.
Key Governance Principles
Inclusive Participation: Engaging all stakeholders, including Traditional Owners, ensures diverse perspectives and effective decision-making.
Flexible and Adaptive: Governance must evolve with new scientific insights and changing environmental conditions.
Proactive Forward-Planning: Anticipating future challenges through horizon scanning and scenario planning helps prepare for uncertainties.
Embrace Experimentation: Testing and evaluating interventions under controlled conditions to understand risks and benefits.
Nuanced Risk Assessment: Considering a wide range of potential outcomes to balance risks and benefits.
Inter-Agency Collaboration: Coordinated efforts across various agencies and jurisdictions are crucial for effective governance.
The publication also outlines the resources needed to put into practice the governance principles for new reef interventions.
