Research Project
Researchers:
Alex B Carter
(principalInvestigator, Point of contact)
,
Boren, Laura
(collaborator)
,
Catherine Collier
(principalInvestigator, Point of contact)
,
Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security (NT)
(Associated with)
,
Dr Valerie Hagger
(principalInvestigator, Point of contact)
View all 16 related researchers
Full description This record provides an overview of the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub project Mapping Sea Country and investigating conservation and restoration opportunities along the Kakadu coast and Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. This project addresses the need for contemporary biodiversity and habitat data in the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park (Cobourg Peninsula) and coastal Kakadu National Park, essential for effective Sea Country planning and management. Successful co-management of protected areas requires strong support from the government to enable local communities to have autonomy in decision-making to benefit both the environment and livelihoods. The research focuses on a two-way knowledge transfer process to integrate Western science and Traditional Owners' knowledge to improve knowledge on the extent, condition, and biodiversity of coastal ecosystem habitats under current management and threats. This will empower Traditional Owners to make informed decisions on managing their coastal ecosystems, including restoration opportunities under emerging environmental markets, to improve the resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems under environmental changes while enhancing livelihoods. To achieve this, researchers will collaborate with Traditional Owners to map coastal habitats, assess the biodiversity of coastal habitats, and evaluate environmental changes due to sea level rise and feral ungulate impacts. Outputs include co-authored publications, visually engaging materials, and a co-designed mapping project. Outcomes include better management of Kakadu National Park and Cobourg Peninsula by empowering Traditional Owners with enhanced knowledge that they can use to make on-ground decisions that benefit their communities and biodiversity conservation. This collaboration ensures that Traditional Owners' perspectives guide the management and preservation of culturally significant sites while exploring socio-economic opportunities in emerging environmental markets. Planned Outputs • Biodiversity and habitat data for the Cobourg Peninsula and coastal Kakadu regions [field surveys & analysis] • Collaborative mapping with Traditional Owners • Assessment of potential risks to cultural values from sea-level rise and feral ungulates on coastal ecosystems • Final technical report with analysed data and a short summary of recommendations for policy makers of key findings [written]
Lineage Maintenance and Update Frequency: asNeeded
Lineage
Notes
Credit
The data collections described in this record are funded by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, the Environment, Energy & Water (DCCEEW) through the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub. In addition to NESP (DCCEEW) funding, this project is matched by an equivalent amount of in-kind support and co-investment from project partners and collaborators.
Data time period: 2025-03-01 to 2026-11-20
- global : e091a486-50c3-4cd6-a184-8563f2b46b6c