Strategy

A variety of strategies and guidelines help organisations and Traditional Owners work together to care for the Great Barrier Reef. Most strategies have been put together with Traditional Owners to help understand Reef Traditional Owner rights, interests, and management obligations, while others provide guidance for successful engagement.

Screenshot of the Traditional Owner Implementation Plan.
The Reef 2050 Traditional Owner Implementation Plan

The strategic intent of the Plan is to empower Traditional Owners and inspire government and industry to actively contribute to protecting the Reef for its cultural and natural values.
Screenshot of the Reef 2050 plan
Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan – Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)

The Reef 2050 Plan responds to the World Heritage Committee’s recommendation that Australia develop a long-term plan for sustainable development to protect the Outstanding Universal Value of the Reef.
Screenshot of the Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef document
Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef: The Next Generation of Reef 2050 Actions – Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)

This report identifies the imperatives required by the Traditional Owners of the Reef and brings to light the volume and range of work that Traditional Owners have undertaken throughout decades. It honours DCCEEW aspirations through presentation of a consolidated strategic blueprint.
Screenshot of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Strategy
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Strategy – Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)

This document is the Authority’s long-term strategy to strengthen protection for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reef heritage. It is a significant step in honouring the knowledge and value of Traditional Owner connections to the Great Barrier Reef.
Screenshot of the Gurra Gurra Framework 2020-2026
The Gurra Gurra Framework 2020-2026 – The Department of Environment and Science (DES)

The Gurra Gurra Framework aims to assist DES to meet existing and emerging legislative obligations. The word ‘Gurra Gurra’ means ‘everything’ in the language of the Kooma people. Gurra Gurra reflects the need for strategies, actions and relationships to be inclusive, integrated and complete.
Screenshot of the Reef Joint Field Management Program: business strategy summary 2020-2024
Reef Joint Field Management Program: business strategy summary 2020-2024 – Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)

The Reef Joint Field Management Program plans and delivers field operations within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (WHA). The Program is collaborative, with established and evolving arrangements with First Nations People and the community to work together to protect the WHA.
Screenshot of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships – Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and AIMS are building strong and productive relationships in marine science. Natural synergies exist between AIMS’ research and the management and protection of Sea Country by Traditional Owners across Australia.
Screenshot of the Reef Trust Partnership Annual Work Plan
Reef Trust Partnership Annual Work Plan – Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF)

The Annual Work Plan describes the activities and investments planned for the year to deliver on each of the components described in the Partnership Grant Agreement. 
Screenshot of the Indigenous collaboration for Australia's environmental science
Indigenous collaboration for Australia's environmental science – Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)

The National Environmental Science Program (NESP) is a long-term commitment by the Australian Government to environmental and climate research. This brochure provides a snapshot of some of the important relationships with Indigenous rangers, researchers and Traditional Owners.
Screenshot of the Ask first: A guide to respecting Indigenous heritage places and values.
Ask first: A guide to respecting Indigenous heritage places and values – Australian heritage commission

Provides a practical guide for land developers, land users and managers, cultural heritage professionals and many others who may have an impact on Indigenous heritage. 
Blue box with the word Guidelines written in white
Traditional Owner heritage assessment guidelines – Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)

Provides guidance on assessing impacts to Indigenous heritage values within the permission system. Complementary to these guidelines, are location-specific guidelines that provide an overview of the Traditional Owner values of a specific group or clan.
Blue box with the word Guidelines written in white
Indigenous participation in tourism and its management guidelines – Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)

As partners, Tourism Queensland, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the Authority are working with Indigenous groups plus other government agencies and tourism operators to enhance Indigenous participation in tourism and its management in the Great Barrier Reef.
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The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority acknowledges the expertise, wisdom, and enduring connections that have informed the guardianship of the Reef for millennia. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners as the first managers of this land and sea, and value their traditional knowledge which continues to inform the current management and stewardship of the Reef for future generations.