Systems change takes multiple actions over time
May 23
Hearing that sea levels are rising twice as fast as previously thought spotlights two existential challenges that we all face, of Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss.
Both challenges are systems issues, where multiple variables are at play, there is no single obvious fix and layers of values and beliefs are woven throughout. As tempting as it is to believe there are ‘silver bullets’ or ‘the government will fix it’, the reality is systems issues affect us all, therefore we all are required to contribute to solutions.
On the 20th April it was great news to hear the Minister of Conservation Hon Kiritapu Allan announce the implementation plan for Te Mana o te Taiao, the Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020. This implementation plan has three pou (pillars) that provide direction and focus to guide our country towards the transformational change needed.
Bringing the focus to Waiheke Island’s marine environment, we are also dealing with a systems challenge. Although tempting (again) to think lines on a map or handing responsibility to the government will resolve the problems, the reality is that every single one of us who have a stake in the marine environment around the island, need to act.
The WMP has been a systems-focused movement from the outset. The following describes some of the actions by the WMP in fostering the change needed for island marine protection and regeneration.
Tūāpapa – getting the system right
Began the WMP with open public meetings
Landed on Future Search as a systems-focus method to identify common ground
Ran 3 day Future Search in October 2020 with 76 people from 9 voice-groups from the Waiheke system – who unanimously agreed to 9 common ground commitments
Built Phase 2 of the WMP that is best described as an open weave kete with 6 backbone work streams that work together to support multiple reinforcing actions (or pipis) to deliver on the 9 commitments
Applied for and received new funding (not from a competitive fund so bringing additional resources into the marine environment sector) to resource Phase 2 of the WMP
Whakahau – empowering action
Being committed to, guided and paced by Te Tiriti partnership lays strong foundations for action
Keeping the 9 voice-groups of the Waiheke system front and centre of decisions in the WMP assists to empower everyone to act.
The WMP had funding dedicated to mana whenua and youth, both areas to take conscious decisions in ensuring equity and empowered action
Phase 2 began in October 2021 with a focus on lots of ‘wet time’, getting people in and around the water to assist connection and inspire self-directed action
Whakahaua, whakahauorahia – Protect and RegenerateThe question of “how to protect and regenerate Waiheke’s marine environment” drove the Future Search hui and every decision of the WMP in Phase 2. The answers are found with whole systems thinking that embrace multiple reinforcing actions to address the impacts of what we humans put in and take out of the moana
Taking both passive and active action. Passive action includes raising awareness of marine issues, working to address gaps in understanding the problems and encouraging lots of lots of discussion amongst people, preferably with those you might disagree with!
Active regeneration has been a blast with snorkeling, diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, observing of marine ecosystem life, beach cleaning and more opening many doors for many people to contribute to a healthy Waiheke marine environment
By Miranda Cassidy-O'Connell
Project Kaiwhakatere ~ Navigator