NEW STRATEGY TO PROTECT NINGALOO FROM CLIMATE IMPACTS

BY GERARD MAZZA

The World-Heritage-listed Ningaloo coast is home to much sea life including the Green Sea Turtle. Credit: Nicole McLachlan.

WA’s Ningaloo Coast has become the first World Heritage site to adopt a resilience strategy for adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Resilient Reefs is a global program that will be delivered at Ningaloo by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions (DBCA).

Community representatives, including Baiyungu Elder Hazel Walgar, will sit on a working group to provide advice on how to protect the reef.

Ms. Walgar said Traditional Owners have observed changes to Ningaloo and would like to see greater protection.

“Coral reefs are under pressure due to the impacts of climate change and the influx of boats on the water,” she said.

“Fishing bag limits are way too high, and so is the visitation.”

She said Ningaloo was a highly significant site for First Nations people.

“We don’t only have Dreaming sites on land that we have to protect and look after; we’ve got Dreaming sites in Ningaloo too that we have to protect and look after,” she said.

The global Resilient Reefs initiative is a collaboration between the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, UNESCO, and other organisations.

"The survival of our reefs is time critical,” said Great Barrier Reef Foundation Managing Director Anna Marsden.

“We are proud the Ningaloo Coast is now equipped with an action plan to help reef managers and communities implement solutions to build resilience to climate change.

"This world first strategy provides a model for helping global authorities understand reef and community threats and take action together.”