2.2: Indigenous values and river flows

Leader:

Sue Jackson

Abstract

<p>In northern Australia the need for water planning to identify and address Indigenous interests and values is great. However Indigenous values associated with rivers are poorly understood by decision-makers. This project will work closely with Aboriginal communities to look at the importance of water. It will document the social significance of water and quantify the economic benefits households derive from their use of aquatic resources.</p>

Outcomes

Project outcomes include:

Improved understanding of the social and economic significance of water, rivers and wild resources to Indigenous people in the Daly (NT) and Fitzroy (WA) catchments
Systematic and comprehensive assessment of Indigenous values (related to flow) and impacts of change to flow regime
A tested method to assess, incorporate and monitor Indigenous values in water planning
Indigenous participation in a trial monitoring program for flow regime change and wild resource use
Collaborations that will enhance the capacity of researchers, Indigenous communities and managers to incorporate social assessments in water allocation decisions and planning.

Where is the research happening?

The research will focus in the Daly River catchment of the Northern Territory, and the Fitzroy River catchment in Western Australia.

Who's involved

The project is led by Dr Sue Jackson from CSIRO who will be working with Dr Marcus Finn and Ms Emma Woodward of CSIRO and colleagues from Charles Darwin University.