The Australian Government’s Performance Story evaluation
of the NAILSMA Dugong and Marine Turtle Project (DMTP) concluded
the project was a “standout success” that had
“outstripped the original expectations”. The project
has created innovative communication and management tools and
established on-ground monitoring and research activities that
address many dugong and marine turtle management issues including
sustainable catch management. The networks established by the
project bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in
effective partnerships across the range of these iconic migratory
species. As one senior Traditional Owner explains in his
‘Most Significant Change’ story (a component of the
Performance Story evaluation):
“We have come from nothing and frustration
and being reluctant to be involved in the process from the
beginning. There is now a solidarity to working together to achieve
common goals and direction and purpose, to improve better
management for marine turtle and dugong.”
Project outline, timetable and delivery process
The NAILSMA DMTP commenced in January 2005 following a
successful select tender bid by NAILSMA and Partners under the
Northern Territory Regional Competitive Component of the NHT. The
project received an initial funding allocation of $3.8m over 2.5
years, and following outstanding early success of the project and
negotiations with the Australian Government’s NRM Joint Team,
NAILSMA and Partners received timeline extensions to December 2008
and additional funding taking the total to $4.85m. The project was
awarded transition funds of $600k by the Australian Government for
year 1 of the new Caring for Our Country initiative.
The long term vision of the project is for healthy and
sustainable populations of dugong and marine turtles in north
Australian waters that support Indigenous livelihoods. The project
spanned north Australia and involved communities identified and
supported by NAILSMA project partners Kimberley Land Council (KLC),
Northern Land Council (NLC), Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal
Corporation (CLCAC), Cape York Balkanu Development Corporation and
the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA).
Regional delivery of the project was set out in Regional
Activity Plans (RAPs) developed by project partners in consultation
with relevant Traditional Owners and local community organisations.
Regional Activity Plans identified the long term community
aspirations, issues and concerns, previous management and research
activity, and proposed project activities including budgets and
timelines. Regional Activity Plan format and development was guided
and assessed by a Technical Reference Group (TRG) comprising
representatives from government, research organisations, industry,
NGOs and regional NRM bodies.
Regional Activity Plans were delivered through contractual
arrangements between NAILSMA and project partners, and coordinated
by locally based Regional Facilitators who worked closely with the
overall Project Coordinator. Cross-regional aspects of the project
such as monitoring, reporting and evaluation; communication;
knowledge and cultural exchanges; international linkages;
participation in government initiatives; research partnerships; and
supervision of consultants were managed by the overall Project
Coordinator in collaboration with Regional Facilitators.
Project achievements and outcomes
The project has contributed significantly to the understanding
of dugong and marine turtles through the collection, collation and
dissemination of existing knowledge (including Traditional
Knowledge and contemporary scientific knowledge); and by generating
new knowledge through research collaborations and commissioned
studies. The project has improved access to knowledge by creating
innovative, culturally appropriate communication tools (including
web-based and DVD audiovisual products); and contributing to
numerous other communication avenues including newsletters,
magazines, public seminars and open days, scientific workshops and
conferences, and television and radio media.
The project has significantly enhanced the capacity of
Indigenous people to manage dugong and marine turtles through a
range of activities including developing management and activity
plans and work programs; supporting the establishment of new ranger
programs and Regional Coordinator positions; providing training and
skills development opportunities; fostering research partnerships;
supporting Traditional Owner engagement in numerous relevant
government initiatives and committees; undertaking a range of
on-ground monitoring and survey activities; and developing new data
management and reporting tools such as the innovative
I-Tracker.
The project has created a communication and knowledge sharing
network that spans north Australia and includes international links
and collaborations such as the Native Oceans International
Knowledge and Skills Exchange Program. This network of skilled and
committed sea country managers spans the migratory range of dugong
and marine turtles and provides the foundation for effective and
sustainable management of dugong and marine turtles into the
future.
Project reporting and evaluation
The project has provided quarterly activity and financial
reports. Regional reports were collated into overall quarterly
project milestone reports, providing a comprehensive coverage of
project progress. A Performance Assessment and Monitoring Plan
developed internally provided a matrix to assess project progress
against objectives and formed the basis of analyses underpinning
this final report.
An internal Partner Feedback Survey was conducted by an external
consultant allowing confidential assessment by project participants
and TRG members of project delivery, management and communication.
Learnings from this survey have contributed to the refinement of
project communication strategies and delivery frameworks for other
NAILSMA projects, as well as to the development of a new funding
bid for the NAILSMA DMTP.
The project was also one of 13 projects (and one of the two
Indigenous projects) evaluated by the Australian Government (Land
and Coasts Team) using the MERI Performance Story methodology. A
significant finding of this evaluation was “From this
project, the Australian Government has learnt that Traditional
Owners can manage a very large project and achieve the outcomes
specified as well as achieving a large number of additional social,
cultural, environmental and economic outcomes.”
The impact of the project is further underscored by its success
in several regional and national environmental awards including:
Winner – Banksia Foundation Environmental Award –
Indigenous Section 2008 Winner - Australian Government Northern
Territory Coastcare Award 2007 Finalist – National Landcare
Awards - Coastcare 2008 Runner Up - Banksia Foundation
Environmental Award – People’s Choice Award 2008 Runner
Up - National Landcare Awards - People’s Choice Award
2008
In presenting the Banksia Award to the NAILSMA Dugong and Marine
Turtle Project, the Minister for the Environment Peter Garrett
stated, “This project is a prime example of communities and
governments working in partnership to protect these internationally
significant animals, so that future generations can enjoy them as
well.”
The NAILSMA Dugong and Marine Turtle Project has exceeded
expectations in building the capacity of Indigenous Australians to
participate in the conservation and management of dugong and marine
turtles. The project has generated a greater knowledge base,
innovative communication and monitoring tools, enhanced
communication networks, and partnerships between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous people and organisations that span northern
Australia. These learnings, tools and networks will be crucial to
Australia’s success in managing these long-lived, migratory
and iconic species. All project participants and collaborators are
committed to maintaining this momentum and to working together, and
with new Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners. Funds to support
this commitment and momentum into the future are being sought by
NAILSMA through the Australian Government’s Caring for Our
Country initiative and other sources.
