Support and funding for the reinvigoration of the NRM Navigator, NRM Evidence Bases and River Rap Publication
Oh to have a large amount of funding to enable us to reinvigorate great knowledge sharing products like the NRM Navigator, NRM e-Base (both developed through the former Knowledge for Regional NRM Program) and a new River Rap (based on the old National Riparian Lands R&D Program RipRap) publication. We would welcome any ideas on how we can secure funding for these products as we are finding that most funding ‘buckets’ tend not to cover maintaining and building relationships and networks, or supporting ongoing resources for science and research knowledge sharing infrastructure.
If we could get these products back out and doing what they do best – sharing knowledge, fostering relationships and building networks, the ARRC could have a secure future. If you have any input, ideas on how we can make this happen please get in touch with us. You might also like to think about sponsoring the first edition of River Rap which could feature work you and your organisations are doing.
Siwan and Nerida
A few weeks ago I had the privilege of facilitating a workshop examining the role of Water Trusts in Australia. The ARRC co-convened the workshop with the Water Trust Alliance*. Water trusts have existed for at least 10 years in Australia, and form part of the institutional landscape for environmental water management. They are similar in purpose to long established models of land trusts, and exist to manage water for, and on behalf of, their members or stakeholders. A well established model in the United States, they provide a mechanism for engaging with the communities in which they operate, whilst providing a rigorous framework for responsibly and accountably managing water assets.
The workshop brought together people from non-government, government, and research organisations with an interest in exploring the role that water trusts can play in the future management of environmental water assets and focused on the following four areas:
1. Describe the water trust models that currently operate in Australia;
2. Identify the advantages and shortcomings of existing water trust models;
3. Understand the challenges, opportunities and capacities of water trusts; and
4. Discuss key features of future regional water trust models that connect government, community and business.
It was a great day with lots of lively conversation and a positive ‘vibe’ which was terrific to be a part of. Mark Siebentritt (Healthy Rivers Australia), Deb Nias (Murray-Darling Wetlands Limited) and colleagues are now going to prepare a paper summarising the issues and opportunities identified in the workshop, so please stay in touch with the ARRC to hear what comes next in the Water Trust story.
If you would like to learn more about the Water Trust Alliance follow this link and scroll down the page the link takes you to, to find more information about this group.
Siwan
* Water Trust Alliance members are Australian Conservation Foundation, Murray-Darling Association, Murray Darling Wetlands Limited, Nature Foundation of SA, Healthy Rivers Australia, and the Environmental Water Trust established by Nature Conservation Council NSW.
The workshop was sponsored by Commonwealth Environmental Water, Murray-Darling Basin Authority and Murray-Darling Wetlands Limited
The Living Murray story is a recent chapter in the history of managing the Murray River. It is an attempt to restore the health of the Murray River by returning water to the environment and building water management structures to deliver water to the Murray’s wetlands, floodplains and forests.
The Living Murray story also highlights the people behind the program and contains quotes from some of the many people who have worked to make the vision of the program a reality.
This book will be of interest to those who continue to use, visit, or be inspired by this great river. It is freely available as a hardcopy and you can order it by following this ‘Living Murray Story’ link.
A friend of mine recently sent me an email recommending that I watch this TED talk by Bunker Roy. I am so glad I did, as the talk is inspirational and highlights the many different forms of ‘knowledge’ that exist, and the reality that in western societies we tend to dismiss knowledge if it is not codified in a book, or passed on to us by someone who has an official degree.
Bunker Roy has set up ‘Barefoot Colleges’ across India, Africa, Afghanistan and other parts of the world where people are trying to improve their quality of life. Roy is a firm believer in knowledge gained through experience, and his talk provides some incredible examples of local people with no formal education developing solar, hydro and other community projects.
I really recommend you watch or download the pod cast for this wonderful talk which has a personal relevance to me, as my mother Jinnie is currently working in a school in Purkal, India where she is volunteering her time to develop science curricula about climate change, the environment and water – go Mum!! Link to Bunker Roy TED talk.
Siwan
Being an Australian Riverprize judge is something I really enjoy. I love reading through the applications from worthy projects across Australia, and it fills me with hope and pride that so many people feel passionately about their rivers and local communities.
The 2012 Theiss International Riverprize and Australian Riverprize are now open and encouraging groups to submit their applications. The application process has changed so that it is split into two stages. Stage one is the initial application whereby the forms are downloaded from the IRF website and submitted electronically by 16 March 2012. A short list will then be selected and applicants will be notified in early April as to whether they have reached stage two of the application process. The short-listed applicants will then be sent to stage two Riverprize application to complete and submit by 15 June 2012.
This new application process allows for a fast and efficient method to determine whether a project meets the criteria and will be competitive in the Riverprize program. Written feedback on any unsuccessful stage one applications will be provided upon request.
The winners will be announced at the 2012 Riverprize Gala Dinner, held during the 15th International Riversymposium, on 8-11 October in Melbourne, Australia. More information about the 2012 Riverprize can be found by following this link. If you would like to hear about the finalists and winners for 2011 I encourage you to watch the videos, they are excellent!
National Riverprize Sunshine Coast Regional Council Winner Video
Theiss International Riverprize Charles River Finalists Video
Siwan
Oh to have a large amount of funding to enable us to reinvigorate great knowledge sharing products like the NRM Navigator, NRM e-Base (both developed through the former Knowledge for Regional NRM Program) and a new River Rap (based on the old National Riparian Lands R&D Program RipRap) publication. We would welcome any ideas on how we can secure funding for these products as we are finding that most funding ‘buckets’ tend not to cover maintaining and building relationships and networks, or supporting ongoing resources for science and research knowledge sharing infrastructure.
Information and knowledge management, Resources | Siwan Lovett | 
20 December 2011 8:49 am | 
