Kimberley Indigenous Saltwater Science Project (KISSP) Dean - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Kimberley Indigenous Saltwater Science Project (KISSP)

Dean Mathews, Yawuru

Project Timeline

2012 – Initial engagement with Traditional Owners in the Kimberley was difficult. 2015 – Workshop in Broome to discuss the future of the project

• Chaired by Pat Dodson
• all Kimberley saltwater country groups invited

2016 – Kimberley Indigenous Saltwater Science Project (KISSP) and Working Group formed.

KISSP Objectives

Objective 1 Integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and management practices into Kimberley marine conservation and management. Objective 2 Develop standard and agreed community protocols and a research agreement template to underpin marine research in the Kimberley and an implementation strategy to build awareness in the science community of the need for this engagement. Objective 3 a) Develop a framework and protocols for standardising data collection, storage and analysis methodologies that can be used to monitor saltwater country across the Kimberley. b) This includes the development of a training package for agreed research targets for delivery to Rangers to develop internal capacity in these standardised techniques.

Working Group’s Research Approach

Led by the KISSP Working Group. Rangers resourced to facilitate workshops. TOs and Rangers identified approach, agenda, who to attend and venue. 7 x ‘On-Country’ workshops (103 Traditional Owners). October 2016 Working Group workshop. July 2017 Working Group workshop Working Group feeding back all information to PBCs.

Research Team Selection Process

1. Previous working relationships 2. Submitted EOIs 3. Pitches to Working Group 4. Strengths-based research team selected

Objective Who Objective 1 Integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and management practices into Kimberley marine conservation and management. Beau Austin Cathy Robinson Stephen Garnett Objective 2 Develop standard and agreed community protocols and a research agreement template to underpin marine research in the Kimberley and an implementation strategy to build awareness in the science community of the need for this engagement. Gina Lincoln Objective 3a Develop a framework and protocols for standardising data collection, storage and analysis methodologies that can be used to monitor saltwater country across the Kimberley. Rebecca Dobbs Fiona Tingle Paul Close Objective 3b This includes the development of a training package for agreed research targets for delivery to Rangers to develop internal capacity in these standardised techniques. Gina Lincoln Mosaic Environmental Consulting

Healthy Saltwater Country and People into the Future

Mobilising Indigenous Knowledge for Collaborative Management of Kimberley Saltwater Country

Beau Austin, Cathy Robinson, Gina Lincoln, Rebecca Dobbs, Fiona Tingle, Stephen Garnett with the Balanggarra, Bardi Jawi, Dambimangari, Karajarri, Nyul Nyul, Wunambal Gaambera & Yawuru Traditional Owners.

Why Mobil ilis ise In Indig igenous Knowle ledge for r Co Colla llaboratio ions in in Sa Salt ltwater Co Country ry?

• See changes, threats and connections between things that science might not.
• Connect environmental, social, cultural, economic and spiritual aspects of Country.
• Support Indigenous people to look after languages, governance systems and way of life.
• Mix Indigenous knowledge and western science to see things in new ways.
• In lots of the Kimberley, it is the only knowledge!

Traditional Owner Perspectives

“In a way science is catching up to our knowledge. Collecting data makes it a bit easier to explain to scientists and put them in our shoes. Where knowledge is missing science can fill in the gaps.” Kimberley Saltwater Traditional Owner. “It makes us and the rangers work better and know about Country. And we might have similar thoughts.” Kimberley Saltwater Traditional Owner. “All the older people should be teaching the young ones at the same time as science is being taught to the young ones.” Kimberley Saltwater Traditional Owner.

Traditional Owners want to work with both local knowledge holders and western scientists to make the best decisions for Kimberley Saltwater Country.

Recognis isin ing In Indigenous Knowle ledges

• Most common examples of Indigenous knowledge for Saltwater Country:
• Seasonal indicators (flowers, wind direction, temperature, etc.).
• Historical knowledge (to detect changes and new pressures/threats on Country e.g. bleaching, disease,

erosion, pollution, tourism, etc.).

• Knowledge of tides and currents (for travel, safety, fishing, hunting, etc.).
• Hunting locations, seasons, nutritional content and laws/rules of key species (e.g. fish, turtles, dugong,

shellfish, etc.).

• Location of cultural values, sites, boundaries and connections (e.g. clan estates, fish traps,

ceremony sites, burial grounds, navigation markers, recreational places, hunting tracks, stories, spirits and Old People, etc.).

• Health indicators (species and ecosystems).
• Connectivity (social-cultural-ecological).
• Risk management on Country (crocodiles, weather events, cultural protocols, navigation, etc.).
• However, to interpret this as the ‘most valuable’ knowledge or ‘most widespread’ is both inappropriate and wrong.

Lim Limit itatio ions

• Indigenous knowledge cannot be separated from

practices and beliefs.

• “lived knowledge”
• “doing”
• “living our lives in the saltwater”
• “part of liyarn burr”
• “relationships”
• “looking after saltwater Country”.
• A lot intentionally left out - not for the public.
• This knowledge needs to be recognised, supported and

at the very least not threatened.

• What KISSP talks about is only the tip of the iceberg!

• ‘Evidence-base’ = knowledge/information that can be

used for decision-making, policy and management.

• Non-scientific knowledge is useful/useable.
• Each knowledge system speaks for itself.
• Requires empowerment and capacity development
• f all knowledge systems.
• Scientists are experts, but not the only ones!

Tengo et al. (2014). Connecting Diverse Knowledge Systems for Enhanced Ecosystem Governance: The Multiple Evidence Base Approach. Ambio 43, 579-591

A Multiple Evidence Based Approach

Step 1  Establish and maintain meaningful dialogue.  Assess capacities for collaboration.  Identify goals that are mutually beneficial.  Mobilise all knowledge systems.  Discuss the relevance of ‘larger-than-local’ scales. Step 2  Collaborative identification of approach.  Decide on a co-production or parallel integration approach.  Collaborative identification of methods. Step 3  Implementation of knowledge production in line with agreed plans.  ‘Stick to the plan!’  Collaborative analysis of results. Step 4  Collaborative interpretation of results from the perspective of all stakeholders.  Assess social, cultural, economic and environmental implications.  Identify similarities, complementarities and/or contradictions in research outcomes.  Collaboratively evaluate project performance.  Joint production of outputs and communication of results.  Celebrate success together.

Applying the Multiple Evidence Based Approach

Toolbox for Producing Knowledge Collaboratively

Participatory Research

• Interviews
• Focus group discussions
• Ranking
• Mapping
• Transect walks
• Questionnaires
• Timelines
• Calendars
• Scenarios

Western Science

• Mapping/GIS
• Economic valuation
• Biology
• Ecology
• Chemistry
• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Climatology
• Modelling

Indigenous Knowledges

• Storytelling
• Yarning
• Artwork
• Dance
• Hunting & harvesting
• Ceremony
• Seasonal Calendars
• Digital media
• Video
• Photos

Indigenous Knowledge and the Regional Scale

• We can’t lose complexity of the local.
• Connections between Traditional Owners mean that some

knowledges-practices-beliefs are shared, but not always...

• Relationship building exercises, shared project activities and

knowledge exchanges (between Indigenous groups, as well as with their non-Indigenous partners).

“Trust is established through dialogue”, Paolo Freire

Knowledge collaborations across large scales must proceed with significant caution, ensuring free prior and informed consent in every step of the process, as there is significant risk involved for Indigenous people.

Collaborative Science on Kimberley Saltwater Country – A Guide for Researchers

Gina Lincoln with the Balanggarra, Bardi Jawi, Dambimangari, Karajarri, Nyul Nyul, Wunambal Gaambera & Yawuru Traditional Owners.

A Regional Framework for Saltwater Monitoring in the Kimberley

Rebecca Dobbs, Beau Austin, Paul Close, Fiona Tingle with the Balanggarra, Bardi Jawi, Dambimangari, Karajarri, Nyul Nyul, Wunambal Gaambera & Yawuru Traditional Owners.

Why a regional framework?

• So groups can share experiences and knowledge of

monitoring techniques

• Regional information can assist groups to interpret

local monitoring results (i.e. migratory species)

• Empowers TO groups when negotiating joint

management arrangements Opportunity to

• demonstrate Land and Sea Management outcomes

at a broader scale (KLC , Major funding bodies)

• highlight where investment/ research capacity

building needed

AIMS

Through development of a regional framework the project aimed to:

• 1. Build on existing work
• 2. Review current monitoring methods (questionnaires, workshops)
• 3. KISSP case study – test and identify gaps in the Framework to inform

future research and development of monitoring techniques.

Figure 1 A Regional Framework for the Kimberley

Regional Scale Local Scale

THE FRAMEWORK

SALTWATER VALUES

CULTURAL PRACTICES Law, ceremony, living on country, customary fishing/hunting, seasonal knowledge, storytelling, enjoyment of country, making hunting tools, language, intergenerational transfer of knowledge, responsibility for country, medicine, protocols, spiritual and physical connections SALTWATER FOOD AND RESOURCES Fish, shellfish, squid and octopus, sharks and rays, turtles, dugongs CONSERVATION TARGETS Shorebirds, dolphins, whales SIGNIFICANT AREAS AND PLACES Burial, camping, fishing, middens, creation story, seascapes, fossils, maritime heritage, fish traps, law grounds, boundaries and location, tracks, cultural areas LIVELIHOODS SALTWATER Land and sea management, nature /cultural based tourism, and commercial, customary, recreational fishing SALTWATER COUNTRY Saltwater (currents tides and quality), beaches, rocky headlands, intertidal mudflats, freshwater, Submerged springs, mangroves, saltmarsh, reefs, seagrass, deep sea, near shore pools, non-resource or conservation species

SALTWATER THREATS

CULTURAL PRACTICES Laws/ protocols & advice not being respected, lack

• f

resources to access country reduced practicing of law on country and connections, lack

• f

knowledge transfer (lost knowledge), Government policies (culturally inappropriate), lack of cultural programs in mainstream education SALTWATER FOOD AND RESOURCES Climate change, weeds, pollution, human pressure (overfishing- commercial recreational and customary fishers, & development), marine pests, unmanaged animals (destroying nests, egg predation) CONSERVATION TARGETS Climate change, pollution (oil spills, debris), commercial, recreational and customary fishers (by-catch, boat strikes) SIGNIFICANT AREAS AND PLACES Unmanaged visitors (damage, lack of respect), insufficient resources for accessing and managing country, lack of knowledge transfer (lost knowledge) LIVELIHOODS SALTWATER Lack of accessibility to country (transport to visit country), lack of cultural knowledge transmission, human pressure (overfishing - commercial recreational and customary fishers, & development) SALTWATER COUNTRY Development (GW abstraction, pollution), climate change, marine pests & debris, erosion, weeds, inappropriate access (locals and tourists), boats (damage, pollution)

STE TEP 1: Ide dentify fy Values Li List of

• f regi

egion

• nal

valu alues

STEP EP 2: 2: Ide dentify fy Th Threats Li List of f reg egional thr threats

VALUES OBJECTIVES Saltwater Food and Resources Conservation Significant Areas and Places Livelihoods Saltwater Saltwater Habitat Cultural Practices Objective 1: Traditional Owners and Rangers have access to western science, cultural and indigenous knowledge about plants animals and culture (producing and using) Objective 2: Sustain animal populations (through managing customary harvest, and both human and introduced threats) (priorities turtle, dugong, fish) Objective 3: Maintain biodiversity and habitats Objective 4: Maintain the health and condition of cultural sites Objective 5: Maintain cultural practices and meet obligations to country (rules for governing country)

STE TEP 3: 3: Prio rioritise Obj Objectives Li List of

• f

pr preliminary regi egional

• b
• bje

jectives

“Turtles? Nothing wrong with turtles….. I’ll tell you what’s dying, law and culture that’s what’s dying” Kimberley Traditional Owner

Local Monitoring

• current focus on monitoring the

status of values

• monitoring of management effectiveness limited
• this is essential for

Stage of CAP process, complexity of CAP implementation Significant focus on developing WS techniques Funding driven by external sources (with focus on research)

STEP TEP 4: Mon

• nitor
• r

Co Conceptual l mo models ls Me Method Sel Selection Too

• ol

Too

• olbo

box of

• f

Mo Moni nitor

• rin

ing Me Methods Ex Example les of

• f

Ana Analy lysis is and and rep epor

• rting too
• ols

Ide dentify ify que questio ion Sel Select and and imp mple lement me method

• d

Ana Analy lyse and and rep epor

• rt

STEP TEP 4: Mon

• nitor
• r

Co Conceptual l mo models ls Me Method Sel Selection Too

• ol

Too

• olbo

box of

• f

Mo Moni nitor

• rin

ing Me Methods Ex Example les of

• f

Ana Analy lysis is and and rep epor

• rting too
• ols

Ide dentify ify que questio ion Sel Select and and imp mple lement me method

• d

Ana Analy lyse and and rep epor

• rt

• Aligns with MEB approach
• Groups can chose from IK or WS based

approaches

• Provides distinction between research

monitoring and long term monitoring

• Groups aren’t reinventing techniques
• Monitoring techniques to measure

indicators but also management effectiveness Benefits of Toolbox

STEP TEP 4: Mo Moni nitor

• r

Co Conceptual mo models ls Me Method Sel Selectio ion Too

• ol

Too

• olbo

box of

• f

Mo Moni nitor

• rin

ing Methods Ex Example les of

• f

Ana Analysis and and rep epor

• rtin

ing g too

• ols

Ide dentify fy que questio ion Sel Select and and imp mple lement me method

• d

Ana Analyse and and rep epor

• rt

STEP TEP 5: As Assess

Key outcomes

Best practice framework developed

• accounts for the unique features of the Kimberley
• incorporates a MEB approach,
• considers saltwater country as not only a marine ecosystem but a complex ecological

social and economic system The KISSP case study has provided

• information for the longer term implications of rolling out the framework
• highlights where investment is required
• Implementation of the framework will allow Traditional Owner’s to better visualise a

regional picture of ecosystem health and facilitate knowledge sharing and robust Traditional Owner and Western Science (WS) management.

Navigating Knowledge Currents

Dean Mathews, Albert Wiggin, Beau Austin, Rebecca Dobbs

Why has KISSP been so successful?

• A collective and sharing approach
• Refocused onto real challenges
• Delivered the objectives set
• Bridged vast geographical areas
• Important Social cultural and scientific platform
• A voice for the traditional owners for traditional knowledge and for Western

Science, with all acting in good faith

• A manageable sized group
• A funded secretariat role to keep KISSP on track

Healthy Saltwater Country and People into the Future

KISSP PRODUCTS

Voluntary adoption of Multiple Evidence Based (MEB) approach

• 1. Facilitate dialogue between Traditional Owners, Rangers, rep bodies,

and all other partners to see if this approach is a way forward.

• 2. Training (probably on-the-job) on how to implement an MEB

approach.

• 3. Start using the KISSP outputs.
• 4. Evaluation of MEB approaches to demonstrate value and share

lessons. Optional extras:

• Clear process for negotiating access and benefit sharing arrangements

with researchers and other partners.

• Development of community-based ‘knowledge prospectuses’.
• Closer look at the relationship between knowledge and governance.

Working with Indigenous knowledge and western science for decision-making, policy and management.

Aboriginal organisations and representative bodies

• Training staff and Directors about the protocols , toolbox, multiple knowledges

approach Government agencies

• Joint management processes should support research protocol requirements

Research institutes

• Protocol as standard for all researchers considering Kimberley cultural and

natural resource research projects

• Encourage university courses to teach students about working with Kimberley

groups

Implementation of Protocols

Protocols are well understood, supported and applied by western science and Indigenous research partners.

Implementation of Regional Monitoring Framework.

• Ownership vested in either a regional advisory group (such as KISSP) –

ensuring the toolbox is periodically updated

• Capacity building and training for groups to ensure monitoring focused on
• bjectives, strategies and management effectiveness.
• Support and training to enhance the capacity of Ranger groups to analyse

data and interpret results at both a regional and local scale.

• Development and trial of tools that support multiple evidence based

approach (i.e. incorporates both qualitative and quantitative data sets and different knowledge bases) A robust monitoring program for Rangers that follows an adaptive management framework (with questions clearly defined, results analysed, and monitoring and management actions evaluated) to inform ongoing management and monitoring of saltwater country

Legacy of KISSP

• Getting the policy makers on board
• Continuing investment into the products
• Alignment of traditional decision making processes through PBCs with

government agency decision makers

Future Collaborations in Kimberley Saltwater Country

• We have built a network and lots of momentum
• We have achieved a lot – but its only the beginning
• It would be a missed opportunity if we didn’t

continue to support the network

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the State Government of Western Australia and WAMSI partners for funding this research. Working Group and Research Team