Toolkit for safeguarding Indigenous heritage and knowledge

Abstract

[Extract] There are over 70 Traditional Owner groups in the Great Barrier Reef Region (the region). This Protocol forms part of the Safeguarding Indigenous Heritage and Knowledge project (the Project), funded by Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan partners for the Reef 2050 Integrated Monitoring and Reporting Program (RIMReP). The Project recognises the rights of Indigenous people to protect/ safeguard/ manage their heritage and respects their rights in traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expression. The establishment of formalised arrangements with management agencies and other parties is considered foundational to achieving a basis for sharing information for improved management practices. The Project provides a framework for making formalised arrangements through the Protocol, Guidelines, and “Indigenous Knowledge Sharing Agreement Template”. The Protocol articulates best practice principles and objectives for parties engaging with Great Barrier Reef (the Reef) Traditional Owners: • in respecting and recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their rich cultures and unique association with the region • for effective and culturally appropriate Traditional Owner-empowered engagement and partnerships • to develop and implement Indigenous Heritage and Knowledge Sharing Agreements with region Traditional Owners.