The Sea Women: Empowering Indigenous Women in Marine Conservation

 Step into the breathtaking beauty of Far North Queensland. Today, we meet Francis Joyce, a remarkable Mamu ranger with a passion for protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

With goggles firmly in place, Francis plunges into the depths, immersing herself in a vibrant world of colourful fish and coral. As an Indigenous ranger experienced in land conservation, reef preservation is a new frontier for Ms. Joyce. However, after just two weeks of training, she finds herself captivated by the wonders of the underwater universe.

"It's like a whole other world," Ms. Joyce exclaims. "Being beneath the waves brings a sense of calmness. You witness life in its purest form, with corals of diverse shapes and hues growing harmoniously together." (ABC News. June 8, 2023.)

Ms. Joyce is part of an extraordinary group known as the Sea Women of the Great Barrier Reef. This groundbreaking program empowers Australian First Nations women to assume leadership roles in marine conservation. Through comprehensive training, they learn to snorkel, scuba dive, navigate boats, capture underwater images, identify marine species, and survey coral reefs.

Motivated by her newfound skills, Ms. Joyce plans to educate her community and implement reef monitoring programs on Mamu sea country, located south of Cairns. Her vision is to ensure the sustainability of our reefs for generations to come.

Inspired by the success of the Sea Women of Melanesia initiative in Papua New Guinea, the Sea Women of the Great Barrier Reef is a testament to the shared desire for similar opportunities in Australia. Mentored by experienced women from the PNG program, our Sea Women train on the picturesque Goolboddi (Orpheus) and Yunbenun (Magnetic) Islands in Far North Queensland.

Director of Sea Women of Melanesia, Naomi Longa, explains their broader ambition: establishing Sea Women programs across the Coral Sea arc, including Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. This collective effort aims to safeguard the reef, which is not only a breathtaking natural wonder but also a lifeline for coastal communities.

"The coral reefs and marine environment are essential to our survival. They provide food, income, and support tourism activities," emphasises Ms. Longa. "By protecting these precious resources, we ensure sustenance for ourselves and future generations."
(ABC News, June 8. 2023)


Image: Supplied

In addition to coral conservation, the Sea Women have discovered shared cultural connections, such as their respective totems. These meaningful encounters have fostered a strong bond among participants, transcending borders and uniting Indigenous women in a profound way.

Ms. Longa hopes that their journey will inspire others to join the cause. "When women come together as a team, remarkable things happen," she affirms.
(ABC News, June 8. 2023)