Sea Country Forum

The Sea Country Forum will bring Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef together to discuss some important matters. 

Over decades, Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef have provided input into many reports, forums, plans and workshops. But decision makers have not always listened. Our traditional knowledge, cultural practices and inherent responsibilities to care for sea country are still being side-lined. Since the 1970s, we’ve been coming together to talk about protecting and managing sea country. These were powerful gatherings where our Elders laid the foundations for what has become a thriving movement for cultural and environmental stewardship.

Now, the ReefTO Taskforce has been set up and will carry forward the legacy, building on the resilience and vision of our Elders to elevate the voices of all Traditional Owners. Together, we’re working towards a healthy reef, protected sea country, and a legacy that future generations can be proud of.

At the Sea Country Forum, discussion topics will include:

• Options for setting up a Reef-wide Sea Country Alliance/Network to amplify the voices and elevate the collective priorities of Reef Traditional Owners 
• Sustainable financing to support sea country initiatives and enterprises
• How the 71 actions in the Traditional Owner Implementation Plan should be prioritised
• How communities would like their voices heard over the next 12 months

Four representatives (two adults, two young leaders) are invited from each clan group in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area - ideally, with a gender balance. Travel expenses will be covered.

This is about creating a collective voice and shaping a way of driving real change for our mob, together.