Planning education to care for the earth - IUCN Knowledge Network

Australia: education for the Great Barrier Reefpractices.The GBRMPA education and information programme provides orarranges for the provision of educational, advisory and informationalservices which will ensure public participation.All GBRMPA staff are regarded as extension agents, and there is aneducation and information service (15 specialist staff) disseminatinginformation and providing a range of community education and extensionservices. The Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, with a specialist staff and over100 volunteer guides is the major educational facility, helping to shape theattitudes of visitors and behaviour towards conservation and protection of theReef.Zoning information kits contain interpretative maps of the entire regionwhich are sold by many outlets throughout Queensland. These maps explainhow zoning affects fishing, collecting, camping, research and tourism.Public participation programmes make extensive use of the media, publicmeetings, liaison with user groups, displays and advertising as a means ofassociating community groups with the development of zoning andmanagement plans. Every effort is made to resolve problems throughconsultation, and “focus group” social market research is used to balancequantitative responses.A zoning plan may take up to two years to plan and develop with the help ofpublic involvement. Two three-month periods of public participation arearranged for each new plan.GBRMPA believes that if people help to develop management plans for theReef they will be more committed to its conservation. An educatedcommunity becomes a caring and concerned community which willvoluntarily form a marine conservation group. ( In 1993, when the Low Isleslighthouse was automated and the keeper’s position became redundant, thelocal Port Douglas/Mosman community formed the Low Isles ProtectionSociety and successfully lobbied the federal government to buy the lease.The society co-manages the coral cay and provides voluntary assistance andtransport of supplies valued at about $100,000 a year - half the cost ofkeeping a full-time ranger. Local enthusiasts are being trained in reefinterpretation and conservation).Many sectors of the community were consulted in developing a 25-yearstrategic plan for the future of the World Heritage Area. The plan - first ofits kind in the world - establishes the directions to be taken in conserving theReef’s natural resources while adhering to the principles of ecologicallysustainable use into the 21st century. It is influencing the planning ofgovernment, private and voluntary agencies.A particular effort is made by GBRMPA in extension work with the largeuser groups, such as commercial and recreational fishing, aboriginalcommunities or the tourist industry. Fishing industry consultants assist theAuthority in liaison and joint projects such as mapping, establishment ofadvisory committees and training workshops for Marine Park field staff.137