Prof David Griggs, Climate Works Australia

The presentation will focus on a project that investigated how the deep knowledge of the Yorta Yorta people can be used to strengthen their participation and influence in the complex national and regional processes that determine how their traditional lands are managed, leading to improved adaptation decisions both for the Yorta Yorta and the wider community.

The approach used was to develop a Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping framework containing both Yorta Yorta knowledge and more conventional knowledge allowing both forms of knowledge to be integrated and used for decision making. The project also raised community awareness and knowledge and energised the Yorta Yorta youth to take an interest in their history and culture, and in the climate challenges facing their community.