Community Participation

Glenelg Hopkins CMA has an important and essential role to play in building the capacity of local and regional communities in adapting to climate change.

The Glenelg Hopkins community plays an integral role in the delivery of natural resource management actions and the maintenance and improvement of natural assets. The key to achieving the objectives outlined in the RCS and within this document will be to foster a strong regional identity and connection with the environment. An important part of adaptation and transformation is making the connection between historical actions and present day environmental issues [i]. Programs focused on cultural heritage, culturally sustainable development and Indigenous Ecological Knowledge will play a key role in regional adaptation, improving partnerships and outcomes for communities within the region.

The RCS recognises that there is already a strong community commitment to improve natural resource outcomes across the region. Although more can be done to raise awareness and to support a transition towards a community that is more fully connected with the environment. There is also an opportunity to increase the understanding of the role of ecosystem processes and the social and financial importance of functioning ecosystems. Increasing uptake in partnership projects, Landcare and participation at community forums and field days will contribute to this. However, the long-term goal is to develop programs and processes that allow not just for the involvement of communities, but for true collaboration and empowerment of communities. Through adaptive governance, building resilience, and allowing and encouraging social learning, Glenelg Hopkins CMA can play a leading role in the adaptation and transformation of the region.

[i] C Wagg, J Schlapp, Factors relating to social science and its relationship with NRM, RMIT University, Hamilton, 2012.

Wagg, J Schlapp, Factors relating to social science and its relationship with NRM, RMIT University, Hamilton, 2012.