The Great Barrier Reef is a natural system of profound social, cultural, economic and ecological importance for both the Australian and International community. The relationships between people and the Reef are complex and diverse, sometimes resulting in competing and contested values. As communities grow and human interests multiply, maintaining and cultivating the values of the Reef becomes more challenging. This is particularly the case as the planet warms.

The Social Science Community for the Great Barrier Reef is delighted to invite you to the 2023 symposium: Reef values: ecologies, communities and connections. This symposium will bring together a community of researchers, practitioners and policymakers to explore the diverse values, ecologies, and communities of the Reef. It provides a platform for participants to share knowledge, research findings, cutting edge methodologies and engage in critical and creative thinking about the social dimensions of Reef conservation, management, and sustainable development.

SYMPOSIUM

Monday, 11 September | Crystalbrook Riley Hotel, Cairns

The third annual Social Science Community for Reef symposium will bring together scientists, practitioners and Reef managers to discuss the role of social science in Reef management. The theme of the event is Reef Values: Ecologies, Communities and Connections. Presenters will showcase how social science is being used to promote Reef and climate stewardship in the community, is being used to inform and improve Reef decision-making, and can inform future Reef management solutions and interventions. This is a full day from 8.30 am - 5.00 pm. Catering will be provided. 

WORKSHOPS

Tuesday 12 September | James Cook University Nguma Bada Campus, Smithfield

Meeting point: The Cairns Institute (Building D3)

Stream One:

• Understanding the values in the Southern Great Barrier Reef [9am-12.30pm]
• Working with Traditional Owners [1.30-5.00pm]

Stream Two:

• Ensuring high quality online survey data amidst a sea of AI and survey fraud [8.30-10.30am]
• All Great Barrier Reef data in one place - Hands-on training on RIMREP Data Management System [11am-1pm]
• Revitalizing the Great Barrier Reef: Harnessing Tourism for Regeneration and Sustainability [1.30-3.30pm]

Note: Workshops are run in parallel sessions.

ATTENDENCE FOR THE SYMPOSIUM IN PERSON - REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

REGISTRATIONS - FOR ONLINE ATTENDANCE AND WORKSHOPS STILL OPEN 

For more details, click here

Optional Field Trip

To the Great Barrier Reef with Symposium Delegates ($$$)

As part of the SSCR Symposium this year, the SSCR Organising Committee is offering delegates the opportunity to join a group tour to Moore Reef on an adjoining day (either Sunday 10th or Wednesday 13th September, depending on final numbers). Planning for the field trip requires an estimate of numbers, so please indicate your interest by selecting one of the options below.

What to expect:

• Approximate cost $250 per person (final cost to be confirmed, as a group booking discount will be sought)
• Boarding from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal commences 8:15am
• 9am Departure, 10:30am arrive at Moore Reef pontoon, 5 hours at the Reef with buffet lunch included
• Inspection of assisted coral recovery field trials (MARS Reef Stars + RRAP CAD devices) and group discussion with coral restoration scientists and practitioners.
• Optional guided snorkel, semi-submersible tour and other activities.
• 5pm arrive back at Cairns marina.

About the Social Science Community for the Great Barrier Reef

The Social Science Community for the Great Barrier Reef is a collaboration between the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Office of the Great Barrier Reef (Department of Environment and Science, Queensland), James Cook University, The Cairns Institute, Queensland University of Technology, and University of Queensland. The group brings together social science practitioners and academics working in the Great Barrier Reef Region. The purpose of the group is to collaborate, share knowledge and provide a platform for improving understanding of social science for the Reef, both research and applied.

You can become part of this community through our LinkedIn page here.