CLUSTERS
Ecological Stewardship
Could we grow active ocean stewardship as an industry?
Could legislation, management and market economics be used to generate Blue Carbon export-earning value while growing our natural capital?
Ethical and quantifiably sustainable use is necessary to preserve and provide access to all the ocean’s values. The ecological integrity of our unique marine assets and ecosystems are increasingly valued by visitors, locals, markets and dependent industries.
Currently, many policies, management approaches and economic settings frame conservation as a cost. By externalising the cost of degradation the future potential earning potential may be devalued. Deliberately and quickly implementing marine-specific policies is recommended and necessary to enable valuation and enactment of effective ecological stewardship.
WA’s marine assets are unique and globally significant.
Our assets are at risk with dire predictions. Active stewardship is required to avoid irreversible impacts or losses.
The value of healthy oceans are increasingly being quantified e.g. financial valuations of ‘Blue Carbon’ sequestration and plastic pollution prevention.
Coastal and marine tourism is worth more to Australia’s economy than offshore oil and gas.
WA locations are already being chosen to pilot innovative approaches to conservation by international donors.
From Esperance to the Kimberley, from abalone divers leading private conservation to traditional owners and scientists leading joint management, new models of stewardship are regenerating future natural capital while creating present jobs and economic value.
