NESP MaC Project 1.31 – Scoping Study: Indigenous Participation and Research Needs 2021-2022 (North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance)

This record provides an overview of the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub small-scale study - "Scoping Study: Indigenous Participation and Research Needs".

This scoping study builds on the engagement undertaken during the development of the NESP proposal for the Marine and Coastal Hub, where 42 Traditional Owners and Native Title holders across mostly northern Australia provided support for our bid. This period of engagement identified the need to consult widely with Indigenous leaders and groups before committing to substantive research projects. This scoping study provides the resources to begin such a consultation with Indigenous partners on their aspirations for the Marine and Coastal Hub. It will also provide a vehicle for the Hub to actively engage the NESP Indigenous Facilitators Network.
As part of the Australian Government policy on Closing the Gap and consistent with Part 6 of the Northern Australia Indigenous Development Accord, this scoping study will explore how best to execute increased Indigenous ownership over participatory research and how such a program can deliver on the Department’s stated aspirations of meaningful and substantive engagement of Traditional Owners. This scoping study will bring together key Indigenous leaders and groups to plan, prioritise and evaluate potential research directions. Specifically, this scoping study will engage with Indigenous Australians to develop a cohesive set of prospective projects for investment under future Hub research plans, that deliver up to large-scale, broader picture goals for Indigenous people. This will require marshalling of Indigenous knowledge and development and enhancement of Indigenous relationships. Consultation will involve both Indigenous only and Indigenous-researcher meetings and workshops. We are seeking ethical Indigenous engagement, equitable participation and co-design and co-delivery of national environmental research priorities, while substantially increasing the outcomes for social, economic and cultural terms for Indigenous people.

Planned Outputs
• Final technical report with analysed data and a short summary of recommendations for policy makers of key findings [written]