Underlying considerations for Whole-of-System, Values-Based Framework

The Whole-of-System, Values-Based Framework (the Framework) is underpinned by:

• inventory, science synthesis and research for knowledge gaps for all parts of the social-ecological system (e.g. social, cultural, biophysical, hydrological, etc.)
• maintenance, monitoring, evaluation, adaptation and sharing to ensure that management interventions are adaptive and appropriate for the dynamic environment in which they are implemented
• communication, capacity building, education, participation and awareness for all interested beneficiaries and stakeholders, to ensure that their views are fairly considered and integrated into the management process.

Application of the Framework and these underlying considerations to the management of aquatic ecosystems enables the development of interventions that address multiple services and values to achieve the best outcomes for a system and encourage ‘wise-use’ of the system[1] (e.g. how can maximum benefits be achieved for the system, while minimising the impacts?)

When implementing the Framework:

• consider system connections when developing and implementing management interventions (e.g. what impact might a site-specific intervention have on the broader system?)
• make decisions based on the best available knowledge at several scales; that is, at the site, catchment, and system-scales (e.g. how can the knowledge about the broader system be used to inform site-specific management interventions?)
• engage beneficiaries and stakeholders (including First Nations people) throughout the entire process (e.g. from initiation to implementation and adaptation) to ensure their needs and values have been considered and incorporated into the design of management interventions
• select management interventions for the appropriate spatial and temporal scales (e.g. are these management interventions appropriate for the management area? Will the interventions be effective during this specific season?)

Each step of the Framework should be supported by data and assessments. A contemporary evidence base supported by detailed social and ecological assessments ensures that knowledge about the system is current so that appropriate and effective management interventions can be designed.

The data used to inform the Framework does not need to be new and can involve the collation of existing reports and information. Data should be synthesised in a way that allows for it to be used again in the future and easily understandable by stakeholders (e.g. through processes such as Walking the Landscape and Catchment Stories).

Assessments should involve beneficiaries and stakeholders to ensure they inform the development of holistic management interventions that incorporate multiple biophysical, social, cultural and economic values. Conducting assessments or using data from previous assessments that exclude beneficiaries who know the system may generate an incomplete story about what is happening within the system.

The Framework forms the logic and underpins the Queensland Aquatic Ecosystem Rehabilitation Guidelines and Queensland River Rehabilitation Management Guideline.

References

1. ^ Ramsar Convention (2005), A conceptual framework for the wise use of wetlands and the maintenance of their ecological character. Resolution IX.1. Annex A. [Verified 11 April 2019]..

Last updated: 30 June 2022