Between Pride and Despair: Stories of Queensland's Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforests

The Queensland Review's latest special issue explores the relationships between the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforests, highlighting the broader humanity of environmental care and aiming to dilute the arbitrary divisions between humans and nature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 124 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2022
Publisher: Equinox Publishing Ltd

The latest special issue of Queensland Review delves into the intricate connections between Queensland's Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforests, shedding light on the profound relationships that exist between these vulnerable ecosystems and the people and places surrounding them. This issue takes a holistic approach, intertwining personal reflections with scholarly articles, showcasing the broader humanity of environmental care and working towards dissolving the arbitrary boundaries that separate us from nature.

The Great Barrier Reef, a natural wonder of the world, is not only a source of breathtaking beauty but also a vital ecosystem that supports a diverse range of species. However, this iconic reef is facing numerous threats, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing. The special issue of Queensland Review explores the impact of these threats on the reef and the communities that rely on it for their livelihood.

One of the key themes of the issue is the importance of sustainable tourism and responsible fishing practices in preserving the reef. The authors argue that tourism can be a powerful tool for promoting conservation efforts and generating economic benefits for local communities, but it must be done in a way that respects the fragile ecosystem. Responsible fishing practices, on the other hand, can help to maintain the balance of the marine ecosystem and prevent overfishing, which can have devastating consequences for the reef and its inhabitants.

Another theme of the issue is the role of indigenous communities in protecting the reef and its biodiversity. The authors highlight the cultural and spiritual significance of the reef to indigenous peoples and the important role that they play in maintaining its health. They also discuss the challenges that indigenous communities face in accessing resources and participating in decision-making processes related to the reef.

The issue also explores the broader implications of the reef's health for the global environment. The authors argue that the reef is a vital carbon sink, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, the reef is also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea temperatures, coral bleaching, and ocean acidification.

In conclusion, the latest special issue of Queensland Review provides a thought-provoking exploration of the relationships between Queensland's Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforests. Through personal reflections and scholarly articles, the issue showcases the broader humanity of environmental care and aims to dissolve the arbitrary boundaries that separate us from nature. By promoting sustainable tourism and responsible fishing practices, supporting indigenous communities, and addressing the global implications of the reef's health, we can work towards preserving this iconic ecosystem for future generations.

Dimension: 244 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800503120