Earth

Great Barrier Reef Foundation

Discussing concerns and priorities for future action on Country at the Healthy Water Forum in Port Douglas in 2023.

Photo: Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

Why Elevating Indigenous Voices Is Crucial to Protecting the World’s Coral Reefs

Among the fragile ecosystems safeguarded by First Nations peoples are the world’s coral reefs. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, and like all coral reefs it is currently suffering the impacts of climate change. The 2023-2024 summer was a tough one for our Reef, with widespread coral bleaching, two cyclones, and several severe flood events devastating some areas. Coral reefs everywhere are enduring similar conditions, with the world experiencing its fourth global mass bleaching event.

So why are First Nations peoples uniquely positioned to support the health of these delicate and vital parts of our ecosystem?

Liz Wren and Theresa Fyffe explain

About the authors

Liz Wren is a member of the Indigenous Advisory Committee to the Minister for the Environment and Water The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP and advises the Minister on operating the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and is Co-Chair to the First Nations Wisdom Group, Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network.

Theresa Fyffe is Executive Director Projects & Partnerships at the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Her career has focused on convening diverse groups of purpose-driven people to co-design and deliver high-impact, transformational programs that address complex challenges within complex systems.