Paragraph 54(3)(e) of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Cth) requires ‘an assessment of the current resilience of the ecosystem …’ within the Great Barrier Reef Region.
Section 176(3)(e) of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 2019 (Cth) requires ‘an assessment of the current resilience of the heritage values …’ of the Great Barrier Region.
These assessments of ecosystem and heritage resilience are based on the information provided in earlier chapters, namely, the current state and trends of the Reef’s natural heritage values (biodiversity and ecosystem health) and heritage values (Indigenous and social). They are also based on trends in direct use, the factors influencing values now and into the future, and the effectiveness of protection and management arrangements. A series of case studies provide more information on the two areas of assessment:
- ecosystem resilience (natural heritage values)
- heritage resilience (Indigenous and social heritage values).
Over time, the case studies may be expanded or more case studies developed.