Preserving Traditions, Protecting the Reef: Insights from Malachi Johnson

In 2023, Partners on Country received an invitation from the Department of Environment and Science to recruit an independent expert panel. The panel's purpose was to provide advice to the government on the future protection of the Great Barrier Reef, its marine life, and surrounding waters. It was during this recruitment process that Malachi Johnson, a proud Gooreng Gooreng man and former sea ranger, emerged as an exceptional fit for the role of TUMRA Project Manager (Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements).

A year after joining the Reef 2050 Advisory Committee, we caught up with Malachi to gain insights into the progress of his work and the significant role he has played.

According to Malachi, “being part of the Reef 2050 Advisory Committee is important as entities like this lead to self-determination for traditional owners – to having control and a say about what is best for country.”

The committee's primary responsibility was to develop a Traditional Owner Implementation Plan, which has now been legally accepted. “All activities on the reef must align with this plan, and adherence to it is mandatory for those working on sea country,” Malachi said.

“The committee was charged with developing a Traditional Owner Implementation Plan that’s now been legislatively accepted. All activity on the reef must align to this plan and everyone working on sea country must abide by it.

“For me personally, I’ve made it my life’s mission to make sure we preserve and conserve and to educate and share the traditional knowledge of Gooreng Gooreng sea country.

“We hold more than 100,000 years of traditional knowledge and custodianship. Western science isn’t superior to this knowledge and we must respect what each can bring to the battle against climate change and ensuring we have sustainability.”

2023 was the Reconciliation Week theme, "Be a voice for generations," which commemorated the 65,000 years of history, stories, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. It recognises and celebrates the right of First Nations peoples to make decisions regarding their lives, land, and community.

The work carried out by the Reef 2050 Advisory Committee exemplifies how collaboration and understanding can lead to outcomes that demonstrate respect and meet the needs of all segments of the community.