The aim of the workshop was:
- to network and collaborate with other colleagues involved in social and economic aspects of NRM
- to determine the social and economic capacity, knowledge and research priorities of NRM regions in Qld, and
- to inform and guide future collaborative research and capacity building.
There was a great mix of Regional NRM Body staff, researchers and consultants, Australian Government, Queensland Government and Local Government participants.
The highlight for me was the presentation by Nicole Blackett on the MERI (Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Improvement) process which I have convinced her to add to the RKRK (Regional Knowledge Resource Kit). This was the best description of the MERI process I have heard yet.
Also, the presentation by Mark Fenton on the Social and Institutional Foundations of NRM, RECaP project. Both these presenters stand out as being excellent communicators with an ability to convey complex topics in simple and straight-forward language. Also, Mark presented without Powerpoint - what a joy!
Day 2 was based on interactive sessions using techniques working around 'world cafe'. This gave us all a great opportunity to network and learn from each other.
Another highlight was the fantastic Japanese restaurant we went to for dinner on day 1 and a beautiful venue on the river - the Brisbane Powerhouse Terrace level.
DNRW (Derec Davies) is now following up with the setting up of a Community of Practice around social and economic issues in NRM. More news soon...
Next blog will be about our second RKRK Knowledge Leaders Training being conducted in Melbourne right now.
