Here we present the best practices of our conservation experiences, so that others can apply, adapt and incorporate them. The information presented in this section includes scientific methodology, tools of the trade, and lessons learned.

The Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project follows several principles, guiding the work on the main Project’s components – incentives, policy, research and awareness. These principles, developed by the technical advisers of the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project include:(1) comprehensiveness – in our work we integrate the environment and socio-economic concerns, meaning that we work on data, incentives, policy and communications solutions, which consider dugongs, seagrass and communities; (2)appropriateness – in our work we are outcome-focused, question-driven, scientifically robust, logistically/ financially feasible, ethically and culturally sensitive, and collaborative; (3)comparability and replicability – enabling questions to be answered across ecologically appropriate spatial and temporal scales, allowing for further replication and scale-up of the Project approaches and solutions nationally and across the dugong range.

Our projects are just getting underway and as our partners and experts apply their conservation activities in the field, we will share their lessons learned, as well as the tools and techniques that produce the best results.