Michelle Holian

"Quantifying the human benefits of community-led marine restoration; mental, emotional, and socio-economic wellbeing of community participation."

My focus is on the socio-economic, human well-being, and ecological benefits of community participation and stewardship of local marine ecosystems.

A key interest is in the governance of community-led conservation and restoration and alignment with government policy, private stakeholder interests and research science.  With a primary focus on South Australian coastal marine and estuary ecosystems, I am exploring the characteristics of community-led conservation and restoration that contribute to successful and sustainable outcomes. 

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022) outlines targets to conserve biodiversity and achieve societal sustainability through a whole-of-society approach. My research engages with diverse social groups, including Traditional Owners, to understand the ecological and human benefits of participation in community-led conservation to contribute to our global biodiversity targets.