Thesis
How Oral Histories Benefit the Planning and Management of Marine Protected Areas: An In-depth Investigation of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, NSW
Southern Cross University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25918/thesis.261
Appears in Recent Southern Cross PhD Theses
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Abstract
Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been used for decades to conserve biological diversity and ecological systems, underpinned by knowledge gained from natural science disciplines. However, little consideration has been given to understanding the human element. The designation of MPAs has historically been controversial, and support for MPAs will continue to be compromised if the disconnect between people, environment and management is not addressed. My research explores how oral history as a methodology can benefit the planning and management of MPAs and better integrate the human element. Oral histories offer much promise because they provide ordinary people a platform to share knowledge and be heard, as well as build relationships and trust between community and management.
I use the Solitary Islands Marine Park (SIMP) in northern NSW, Australia, as the MPA of focus. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with seventy people from varied backgrounds who have a relationship with the SIMP. Three key themes were explored: the process to declare the SIMP, how and why people connect to the SIMP, and changes in the SIMP observed over time. This research has showcased that oral history as a methodology can contribute significant new knowledge and insights to the planning and management of an MPA, and through the research process, it can build relationships with community, improve trust, and bridge the people-environment-management divide. Importantly, this collective set of memories and body of new knowledge obtained using oral histories has situated people squarely in the story of a significant natural place – once described only by its biological and ecological attributes – thereby thrusting life into the SIMP. My research illustrates that using oral history as a methodology for MPA planners and managers has substantial benefits.
Details
- Title
- How Oral Histories Benefit the Planning and Management of Marine Protected Areas: An In-depth Investigation of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, NSW
- Creators
- Nicola Johnstone
- Contributors
- Philip Hayward (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityAdele Wessell (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityArianne Carvalhedo Reis (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityJo Kijas (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityHamish Malcom (Supervisor) - NSW Department of Primary Industries
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University
- Number of pages
- 323
- Identifiers
- 991013113113502368
- Copyright
- © N Johnstone 2022
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Business, Law and Arts
- Resource Type
- Thesis