Surveying First Nations perspectives on marine genetic conservation practices

Abstract

There is an increasing need for conservation action to help degraded ecosystems recover from anthropogenic disturbances like climate change. Historically there has been a lack of recognition of First Nations peoples in marine genetic conservation, contributing to existing inequalities. To better understand First Nations' perspectives, specifically within Traditional Owner (TO) groups within Australia, a mixed-method approach (surveys and interviews) was used. Two groups along the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) were interviewed, including Lama Lama from the northern and Woppaburra from the southern GBR. Overall, perceptions varied within and between groups. There were differences in perception over equity of resource sharing in genetic conservation practices, including the sharing of coral offspring and their removal from one location to another group's Sea Country. There was, however, a strong sense of the “greater good” (benefits extending outside locations of individual groups). Their willingness to be included in most aspects of the conservation process was unanimous. These results highlight the importance of involvement of First Nations people in the decision-making process to ensure social equity in climate change conservation strategies in a way that respects local communities and cultures.