Grading statements — Heritage resilience
Under current management, heritage values are understood, well recorded and well protected. Actions are being taken to address major threats and restore values. Cultural connections and community awareness are strong.
Heritage values are described and recorded for many components. Many of the values are protected under current management arrangements. Some actions are being taken to address major threats and there is restoration work in some areas. Cultural connections are generally strong and there is some community awareness of values.
Some of the values are described and recorded, but most remain unrecorded and poorly understood. Some are protected under current management arrangements. The number of values where actions are being taken to address major threats and restore values is relatively small. Cultural connections have deteriorated. There is limited community awareness of values.
Heritage values are not well understood, recorded or protected. Few, if any, actions are being taken to address major threats and restore values. Cultural connections have deteriorated significantly and there is little community awareness.
or
Borderline Indicates where a component or criterion is considered close to satisfying the adjacent grading statement.
Confidence
Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus
Limited evidence or limited consensus
Inferred, very limited evidence
The resilience of Indigenous heritage values continues to depend on the active involvement of First Nations peoples in management and their connection and access to Land and Sea Country. The resilience of social heritage values similarly depends on the strength of human relationships combined with the health of the Reef. Resilience of historic heritage values has not been widely analysed by managers. Based on available evidence, the resilience of the Region’s heritage values is assessed as good.
The resilience of social heritage values depends on the strength of human relationships combined with the health of the Reef. The tourism industry has shown great resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and has created new partnerships that enhanced stewardship of the Reef. Stewardship actions can increase the resilience of social heritage values and contribute to the wellbeing of people, especially when supported by managing agency actions. A strengthened relationship with the Reef and stewardship actions can, in turn, contribute to resilience of the Reef. The resilience of social heritage values is in good condition.
The resilience of this component relies on Traditional Owners maintaining connection with their Land and Sea Country. Mapping of Sea Country values, such as sacred sites, sites of particular significance, and places important for cultural tradition, can inform management and improve protection of Indigenous heritage values. Strong governance and co-management principles that connect Traditional Owners and Custodians to their Country and retaining confidential knowledge within communities are vitally important for safeguarding cultural integrity.
Not assessed in this edition of the Outlook Report.
In 2019, lightstations were assessed as in good condition (same grade as 2014, no consistent trend). Historic shipwrecks were assessed as poor (same grade as 2014, no consistent trend).