Practice change, participation and policy settings: A review of social and institutional conditions influencing water quality outcomes in the Great Barrier Reef

• Published in: Ocean & coastal management Vol. 190; p. 105156
• Main Authors: Taylor, B.M., Eberhard, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2020
• Subjects: Engagement; Farming; Governance; Intervention; Practice change; Program design; Water quality; Intervention; Engagement; Water quality; Practice change; Program design; Governance; Farming
• ISSN: 0964-5691; 1873-524X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2020.105156

The health of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is rapidly declining, driven by multiple stressors including land-based impacts on water quality. For over fifteen years Australian Governments have been investing in programs to promote the voluntary adoption of agricultural practices that reduce nutrient, pesticide and sediment runoff. Insights from monitoring, modelling and research have been used to progressively refine and focus investments over time. Despite this, progress is clearly inadequate to achieve the ambitious program targets. More recently, policy makers have introduced new targets to enhance the active engagement of communities and land managers in programs to improve water quality outcomes. In this review article, we draw on the empirical evidence from the social science literature available from studies within the Great Barrier Reef catchments and consider implications for the current approach being used in Reef programs. Adopting a qualitative evidence synthesis approach, the review examines a nested set of themes: from landholder decision making on practice adoption; participation and engagement in programs; and the influence of the broader policy settings and instruments to deliver government plans and investment. The review highlights the influence of factors such diverse landholder goals and motivations, social and cultural risks of participation, and the benefits of knowledge exchange over knowledge transfer in building trust and commitment amongst landholders. The review also highlights the importance of maintaining collaboration and capacity in industry and natural resource management networks, and, committing to active experimentation and learning at both the farm and program levels. Critical knowledge gaps include the potential for greater participation of supply chain and private actors in program delivery, including exploring the efficacy of ‘smart’ regulation responses, and the impact of re-emergent place-based models for implementation. [Display omitted] •Diffuse water quality from farms is a major pressure on coastal and marine environments of the Great Barrier Reef.•Extension and incentives are the main strategies used to improve practices that reduce sediment and nutrient loads..•These strategies are effective if tailored to diverse farmers’ needs; are collaboratively delivered; and regularly evaluated•Future progress can be made by engaging supply chains; addressing cultural barriers; and enhancing place-based delivery.