Page 27 - BHP | BHP Foundation Booklet 2019

Resilient Reefs 10 Deserts Project

Enhancing the resilience of the world’s most treasured coral reef sites and the To keep Australia’s outback healthy for the benefit of future generations
communities that depend on them will give the reefs the best possible chance this project is building the largest Indigenous-led connected conservation
to survive and adapt in the face of human pressures including climate change. network on Earth.

The Resilient Reefs project brings Progress and achievements The 10 Deserts Project (the project) Progress and achievements
“ Healthy reefs contribute an together local communities, reef Resilient Reefs funds long-term “ This Indigenous-led project aims to build environmental resilience This five-year project was launched
estimated US$10 trillion in managers and resilience experts to resilience planning, capacity building is designed to have enduring by supporting traditional owners to in 2018 with all activities gaining
ecosystem services through develop new solutions for combating and implementation in the five pilot results by building Indigenous look after and manage their country momentum with project partners.
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local tourism opportunities, the effects of climate change. sites. Since launching in 2018, people’s capacity, developing through a range of strategic and Key achievements to date include:
crucial fish habitats, food, This is a bold, new approach that the project has: a strong and effective voice targeted activities from which
recreation and protection puts people at the center and draws for the deserts through the lessons will be learned and shared. • establishing the project steering
from storms. As such, from the global resilience practice • developed substantial guidance Indigenous Desert Alliance and The benefits of Indigenous land committee comprising Indigenous
the loss of reef ecosystems to innovate, build capacity and drive materials for sites, including leveraging additional funding management programs are well- representatives from our six
will have major consequences a whole-of-community approach a Program Manual, Resilience through market enabling documented and reinforce broader Indigenous partner organizations;
for communities around to the challenges facing our reefs. Strategy Guide and related tools; mechanisms and co-financing social, cultural and economic benefits. • achieving a total of 1,599 days FTE
the world.” • finalised program design including by government.” These include the provision of employment for Indigenous people
The project will focus initially on five approach to governance, knowledge and 1,688 full days of Indigenous
World Heritage-listed coral reef sites: network, and monitoring and employment and training opportunities, participation through project partners;
Australia’s Ningaloo Reef and Great evaluation; reinstatement of cultural authority,
Barrier Reef, Palau’s Rock Islands, the • built strong relationships with sites and increased pride and confidence • supporting the development of
10 new ranger teams, to expand
Belize Barrier Reef, and the Lagoons of for both individuals and communities.
New Caledonia. With their ecological to understand their priorities and to The project is led by Desert capacity and reach;
significance, Outstanding Universal support them through contracting, Support Services in partnership • building the skills base and confidence
Chief Resilience Officer recruitment,
Values, exceptional biodiversity and with six Indigenous organizations of female rangers through fire
natural beauty, these reef sites are and strategy launch; and and supported by three management training, an essential
the jewels in the crown of the world’s • hired the first Resilient Reefs Chief conservation organizations. step in increasing effectiveness
coral reefs. Resilience Officer based at Ningaloo and reach as men are restricted
The project is a collaboration between Reef, Western Australia and begun from engaging in burning operations
work on a holistic reef resilience
on women’s country;
Great Barrier Reef Foundation, strategy with the community.
BHP Foundation, UNESCO World • enabling ranger training where
Heritage Marine Program, The Nature more than 60 rangers shared
Conservancy, 100 Center for Resilient knowledge and learnings; and
Anna Marsden Cities and Landscapes, and AECOM Peter See, • supporting the Indigenous Desert
Managing Director, (as delivery partner). General Manager, Alliance in engaging with over 200
Great Barrier Reef Foundation 10 Deserts Project Indigenous rangers and other
stakeholders at their annual conference.

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