MTSRF Synthesis Report
Compiled by Suzanne Long
Reef & Rainforest Research Centre Ltd, Cairns
ISBN 978-1-921359-54-5
Published October 2010
MTSRF Theme 5 -
Enhancing Delivery
Executive Summary
Researchers funded through the MTSRF have worked closely with
Torres Strait communities to improve our understanding of both the
vulnerability of Torres Strait islands to climate change, and their
adaptation capacity. Traditional knowledge is a valuable asset in
observing and managing environmental change, and Torres Strait
Islanders are no exception: they have used traditional knowledge to
adapt to biophysical changes in their environment for centuries
(McNamara et al. 2010c). The research results show that traditional
ecological knowledge and practices are already helping to
facilitate climate change adaptation in the Torres Strait.
Incorporation of traditional ecological knowledge and practices
into future adaptation plans for the region is likely to increase
the chances of adoption and success in terms of building community
resilience to environmental change. This story from the Torres
Strait contains lessons that are likely to be transferable to
traditional island communities facing environmental challenges in
many other parts of the world.
