6. Factors influencing the Region’s values

The Region consists of a diverse range of natural values (ecosystems, habitats, species and processes) and Indigenous, historic and other heritage values that are described in Chapters 2 to 4. The condition of these values determines the health of the Region and the quality of the social and economic benefits, such as income, appreciation and enjoyment, that the community derives from the Region.

Several major factors influence the Reef’s values. As in previous Outlook Reports, the 4 primary factors influencing the Region are:

• climate change
• coastal development 
• land-based runoff
• and direct use. 

All are affected by broader drivers of change (economic growth, population growth, technological development and societal attitudes) that affect how society functions, matures and interacts with the environment (Figure 6.1).

This chapter’s assessment examines the current and projected impacts of the 4 primary influencing factors on the following Reef values: 

• ecological values
• heritage values (natural, Indigenous, historic and other)
• economic values
• social values.

In doing so, it considers the trend in each of these influencing factors, the vulnerability of the Region’s ecosystems to them, and the implications for regional communities. Any impacts the factors have on the Region’s values, and the benefits derived from those values, provide a basis for predicting future risks to the Region and its long-term outlook (Chapters 9 and 10).

While direct uses occur in the Region, the other 3 main influencing factors are largely external to the Region. Naturally occurring threats, such as outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish, are both influenced by and can contribute to the impact of the influencing factors.