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Project example 1: Project aware on the Rocks - Pittwater, Warringah and Manly

A community education project initiated by Pittwater Council, focusing on intertidal coastal zones.

For more information, phone Cathy Hemery on (02) 9970 7222.

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Step 1. Analyse the issue or problem

Population growth, recreational use and collection of organisms has been reducing the diversity, numbers and size of plant and animal species in intertidal zones along the coast.

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Step 2. Identify stakeholders

Key stakeholders were:

• Pittwater Council
• project volunteers
• Coastal Environment Centre
• Institute of Marine Ecology, University of Sydney
• NSW Fisheries
• Australian Museum
• Department of Land and Water Conservation
• National Parks and Wildlife Service
• local Catchment Management Committee
• community groups including Anglers Action, Friends of Bungan Beach, Pittwater Rotary, Marine and Coastal Community Network
• Marine Education Society of Australasia.

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Step 3. Know your target group

The target group comprised visitors to and users of the intertidal zones.

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Step 4. Determine objectives and outcomes

The goal was:

• to stop the decline of flora and fauna of intertidal areas along the coast.

The objectives were to:

• build partnerships between local government, the community, scientific organisations and statutory bodies to promote a holistic and cooperative approach to coastal conservation
• increase community awareness of the issue
• encourage community conservation of intertidal zones along the coast
• build understanding of the important role of marine invertebrate communities.

The outcomes were:

• trained volunteers as conservation advocates
• ongoing involvement of volunteers
• support and involvement of professional bodies: scientists and statutory authorities
• sustained community, regional and media interest in the project
• additional funding recognising the worth of the project
• a resource folder
• guided tours of rock platforms.

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Step 5. Design your methods

The methods involved:

• training community volunteers to undertake outreach conservation activities
• guided tours of rock platforms
• displays about intertidal zones
• a survey of recreational users of accessible intertidal areas.

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Step 6. Consider funding

Funding support was obtained from Ocean Rescue 2000, Sydney Northern Beaches CMC, Pittwater Rotary, Federal Coastcare and Australian Geographic.

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Step 7. Make an action plan and implement it

The plan involved:

• circulating an intertidal display at community venues (Jan 95)
• holding community information evenings at Avalon and Narrabeen (Feb 95)
• counting a display at the Royal Easter Show (Apr 95)
• writing a resource manual and inviting prospective trainers to participate (June 95)
• running training courses (July-Nov 95)
• implementing and monitoring outreach activities (Nov 95 onwards)
• evaluating the project (Jan-Feb 96)
• holding regional workshops (Feb-April 96)
• developing field opportunities to improve trainer knowledge (Jan-May 96)
• developing signage for placement at the most valuable sites
• consulting with communities of non-English-speaking background to develop an understanding of their interests in the area and extend the program to meet their needs.

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Step 8. Monitor and evaluate

The project was monitored and evaluated by:

• conducting surveys of trainers
• conducting surveys of participants in training sessions
• consulting with stakeholders to obtain feedback
• consulting with organisations who were doing similar work to identify improvement opportunities.

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