Research Framework
To achieve the Research Vision, a Research Framework is proposed which both focuses on building the understanding of what makes the Reef resilient and, more importantly, generates innovative solutions, to ensure adaptation and/or solutions to climate change.
The Framework, shown below, spans threats, impacts, solutions and adaptations and integrates a monitoring and reporting system.
Framework Components
Pressures/Threats
The threat of climate change looms as the most dangerous – and imminent – of challenges to the Reef’s future. Studies have shown that the acidification and warming of the oceans are expected to have devastating effects on the Great Barrier Reef, even in the short term. A broader understanding and quantification of the threats and impacts of climate change and other pressures (e.g. land run-off, fishing, shipping, etc.) is needed to work towards the Foundation’s Vision.
Exposure & Resilience of the Reef
It is critical to define what makes a reef “resilient” or “sustainable” to the threats of climate change. What are the key attributes of a sustainable reef that is resilient to climate change?
Defining the attributes and gathering the data to support these attributes focuses on the Great Barrier Reef but may be globally applicable in the future.
Solutions and Adaptations > Policy/Planning
Mechanisms by which reefs adapt to climate change, as well as innovative solutions to combat the threats and impacts (biophysical, social and economic) of climate change are addressed in this component to ensure integration into management action and planning/policy mechanisms. Solutions seek to minimise or reduce a threat to the Reef and associated habitats, whilst adaptations are focussed on managing the impact to the ecosystem and society.
Monitoring, evaluation and reporting system
A monitoring, evaluation and reporting system is critical to audit the effectiveness of the over-all framework and will include:
- The condition of the different attributes (and hence, the health/resilience/sustainability of the reefs) and across space;
- The effectiveness of solutions and management interventions, as well as the capacity of reefs to adapt to climate change;