Torres Strait education programs: capacity building in marine science.

Task leader: Dr Gillianne Brodie, James Cook University.

The Torres Strait region has a range of marine ecosystems that support an extensive variety of marine resources and a very high level of biodiversity. Sustainable long-term management of these natural assets requires a combination of both western science and Indigenous knowledge.

Increased participation of Indigenous peoples in the science and research aspects of marine policy development and management in Torres Strait is highly desirable and would be strongly enhanced by an increase in the acquisition of higher education qualifications in the areas of marine science and environmental studies. Access to appropriate high quality education programs is fundamental to achieving such goals. It requires collaborative relationships between educational partners and the community that will encourage effective communication, teamwork and appropriate program development and implementation.

The task aims to provide;

1. Capacity building support, via active community engagement, to existing education programs in Torres Strait that are related to the marine environment.
   
2. Information about higher education opportunities for Torres Striat Islanders that may lead to careers in marine science or natural resource management.
   
3. An increased appreciation of the unique traditional and cultural knowledge of Torres Strait Islanders and the value of that knowledge in regard to Indigenous use and management of their marine ecosystems.