Building successful relationships with First Nations is a key to co-designing marine science research. The big question is “How?”
The Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) has started a new initiative: the IMOS Sea Country Initiative. This initiative is aimed at building collaborative relationships with First Nations peoples caring for sea Country, bringing ancient knowledge into conversation with cutting edge technology. IMOS aspires to work with First Nations peoples based on their sea Country needs for ocean and coastal observations. In recognition of the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) world class Indigenous Partnerships Policies and Procedures IMOS has partnered with AIMS Indigenous Partnerships (IP) Team to achieve this goal.
In this presentation we explore the “how” of how to build meaningful relationships with Traditional Owners when wanting to work on their sea Country. Our case study is our experience creating the 2025 IMOS Sea Country Initiative.
Facilitating the combining of world views provides an entire method created through respect, recognition, mutual understanding, and sustainability, based on reciprocal benefit to solutions for issues faced by First Nations peoples within the marine estate.