PhD student Mildred Kelokelo back on island

PhD student Mildred Kelokelo from the University of Newcastle is back on island to continue her research which started on Norfolk Island last December. Mildred’s research looks to document the connection between with coral reefs and the communities that live near them across the Pacific region. Mildred’s research includes voluntary surveys of community members on Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, Pacisifika nations, and on the Great Barrier Reef. Her research asks questions about the community values and attitudes towards coral reefs, and the importance of coral reefs to local identity, the surrounding area, traditional knowledge and stories of coral reefs in the community.

Understanding the connection between coastal communities and coral reefs provides important information help inform coral reef management practices and support knowledge sharing between coral reef communities. The relationship between communities and coral reefs has existed for thousands of years and is interwoven in the management practices of many coastal communities. Coral reefs can mean many different things to different people, and the role of coral reefs to coastal communities can include providing safe swimming space, source of income, nursery areas for marine life, economic assets, protection from storms and waves, cultural or spiritual support, traditional connections and many more. By understanding this connection both in the past and current day helps provide an in-depth knowledge of how these communities interact with coral reefs. Understanding the relationship between people and reefs also give insights to their connection to the environment and perception of coral reef management practices. The inclusion of local communities and perspectives to coral reefs can help ensure that management practices are tailored towards values that ensure ongoing connection to the reef, support the benefits communities gain from the reef while also managing the environmental benefits.

Mildred’s research is part of a larger project that investigates the human-coral reef relationship in coastal communities in the Pacific region and Australia. Through this study, Mildred hopes to help inform how coral reefs are managed across the Pacific region and on coral reefs in Australia. She is currently on island until 7th April and is hoping to find some answers to these questions and more. She’d love it if you could spare half an hour of your time, maybe over a cuppa or a cold drink, to include your voice and experience of the Norfolk Island Coral Reef and all responses within the survey are anonymous. You can reach Mildred on mobile number 57502 and you can also speak to coral health researcher, Tracy Ainsworth, who is assisting Mildred during her visit on 50401.