Preferred presentation format: Poster

Affiliation(s): (1) Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Science, University of Tasmania

(2) National Museum of Australia

Name: Damian Lucas, Joanna Wills Position: Research Fellow / Doctoral Candidate Organisation: Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Science, University of Tasmania Contact email: damian.lucas@utas.edu.au Contact phone: 0422 997 299

Keywords: participation, information and communication technology, evaluation

‘Committing to Place’ is an ARC Linkage Project exploring new approaches to projects for enhancing participation in NRM initiatives. The Committing to Place project is based on an innovative partnership between the Murray-Darling Basin Commission and the National Museum of Australia. These organisations are collaborating to develop a range of innovative participatory projects, mainly using new communications technologies:

• a cultural mapping project using GIS technology;
• a community arts project using digital photography;
• a peer teaching environmental education event for young people and,
• a broadcast media forum run by young people for young people.

The researchers from the Committing to Place project are undertaking evaluation of these projects focusing on:

• methods, practices and approaches informing the projects;
• engagement of target groups, ie. how they actually work on the ground and,
• ways that these projects enhance participation in NRM through, raising awareness, increase motivation and providing and tools for change.

The poster presents key insights from the early stages of the research project; focusing on two key points. First, the potential of web based communications to engage diverse audiences. Second, the benefits of approaches based on the specific ways that people value, conceptualise and engage with the landscape – what can be called a ‘cultural heritage’ approach. It is believed that projects framed in this way are meaningful for audiences, offering rich and authentic experiences.

Key learning points:

• Value of using information communications technology
• Benefits of framing projects based on ways people engage with landscapes
• Expanded role for project evaluation
• Benefits for NRM organisations in forming innovative partnerships