This Outlook Report has been prepared by the Reef Authority, with contributions of evidence from a number of Australian and Queensland government agencies, researchers from a range of institutions, industry data-holders and Traditional Owners.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef Region. Incorporation of the perspectives and knowledge of Traditional Owners has been enhanced in recognition of their deep connection and role in the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of the Reef. Every chapter begins with a Traditional Owner story from the Great Barrier Reef about caring for Land and Sea Country. A First Nations business worked with Traditional Owner communities and leaders along the Reef to develop these place-based stories for the report.1 Enabling even greater Traditional Owner involvement in providing and considering evidence used in Outlook Report assessments will further enrich future reports.
The outcomes of an expert elicitation workshop,12 involving more than 45 scientists, Traditional Owners and other stakeholders, contributed to the biodiversity, ecosystem health and heritage value assessments (Chapters 2, 3 and 4). The outcomes also informed the forward-looking risk and resilience assessments (Chapters 8 and 9). The methodology for the expert elicitation workshop was modelled on similar workshops used for previous Outlook Reports.4,5
Five independent consultants specialising in protected area management, monitoring and evaluation, public policy and governance assessed the effectiveness of existing protection and management arrangements for the Region’s ecosystem, its heritage value and, where relevant, the Catchment.11 This independent assessment of management effectiveness also incorporated evidence from structured interviews with partners and stakeholders. The assessment identified gaps, improvements and deficiencies, and produced a comparative analysis with the 2009, 2014 and 2019 assessments. The assessors’ report forms the basis of the assessment of existing measures to protect and manage the Region (Chapter 7).11
Five expert reviewers, appointed by the Australian Minister for the Environment and Water, independently reviewed the draft Outlook Report. These reviewers are recognised national and international experts with biophysical, heritage and/or socio-economic expertise and achievement, including conducting high-level policy and scientific reviews. Their comments were considered and incorporated into the final report.