NURTURING THE NEXT WAVE

^{Story contributed by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.}

Amidst the pressing challenges in the Traditional Owner Reef space, there’s a critical need to foster the next generation of change-makers. Despite the significant strides made in creating pathways for Indigenous Rangers, a pressing issue remains: the urgent need for more young Traditional Owners to engage in systemic change. This gap highlights the necessity for initiatives that not only connect young Indigenous leaders to the land and sea, but also empower them to be active participants in broader governance and policy-making processes.

To help address these issues, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Traditional Owner Strategic Initiatives team, led by Liz Wren and young members of the Foundation’s Traditional Owner technical working groups, co-designed a Young Reef Leaders Initiative. It was designed to provide a culturally appropriate and safe platform for young Traditional Owner leaders to communicate their unique perspectives on issues related to the Great Barrier Reef.

By promoting solutions led by these young leaders, the initiative seeks to create a meaningful and positive impact both on land and sea Country and the people who care for it.

To kick-start this critical initiative, a cohort of young, emerging Traditional Owner leaders met in Sydney in December 2023 for a week-long exploration of leadership, challenges and opportunities within the Great Barrier Reef.

Under the mentorship of Malachi Johnson and Jade Gould, two of the youngest members of the Foundation’s Traditional Owner technical working groups, and Jordan Ivey from the Australian Institute of Marine Science Indigenous Partnership team, these young leaders participated in peer-to-peer workshops, discussions and activities.

From the corridors of Taronga Zoo to the heights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and even out to the beautiful settings of Botany Bay, each moment was an opportunity for growth, learning and connection. These experiences, coupled with deep conversations, highlighted the urgent need for more opportunities for young Traditional Owners.

Mentor Malachi Johnson says it was opportunities like these that first ignited his passion and involvement in the Reef space.

“They opened doors for me that I never knew existed. Now, as someone who sits on committees and engages on the global stage with the UN, I can see the transformative impact these experiences have. We need more initiatives like the Young Reef Leaders Initiative to empower and inspire our youth.”

— Malachi Johnson, Goreng-Goreng, Young Reef Leaders Mentor

The initiative is dedicated to fostering opportunities for this network of young people, with greater inclusion and participation of young Traditional Owner leaders in the management and care of Country. As it evolves, it is hoped the initiative will strive to build bridges and connect young leaders across the Great Barrier Reef, the Pacific Region and globally, enhancing their leadership, policy and governance skills.

Mentor Jade Gould says, “Initiatives like the Young Reef Leaders Initiative are crucial, especially for our young mob. We’re at a point where the need for change-makers within our systems is more critical than ever. These programs aren’t just about providing skills and knowledge; they’re about empowering our youth to become leaders who can bring Traditional Owner perspectives and ideas to the forefront.”

One of the key aspects of the Young Reef Leaders Initiative is its focus on succession planning. By building a strong pipeline of emerging leaders for existing or future governance arrangements within the Great Barrier Reef, the initiative hopes to ensure the continuity and strength of Traditional Owner governance. This is critical in future-proofing the governance arrangements and maintaining the environmental and cultural integrity of the Great Barrier Reef.

The initiative also emphasises the importance of mentorship and peer-to-peer learning. By cultivating effective relationships between young leaders and established governance leaders, it opens doors to new learning and growth opportunities. These connections are not just about transferring knowledge; they are about weaving a resilient network of leaders who are well-equipped to champion the protection and sustainable governance of the Reef and its ecosystems.