Weaving knowledge: Torres Strait’s first land and sea conference connects culture and science

Seasons of change: Participants attend historic event

In a historic, first-of-its-kind environmental management event for the Torres Strait, more than 70 Elders, rangers, community leaders, scientists and academics united for the inaugural Zenadth Kes Land and Sea Symposium, co-hosted by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Corporation (GBK) and the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC).

Set against blue waters and cool winds carrying ancestral stories, the gathering on Waiben (Thursday Island) brought community and academia together.

TSRA Environmental Management Program, People and Culture Manager and Event MC Ella Kris (pictured) said the symposium showcased the Torres Strait’s nation-leading efforts to weave First Nations knowledge with science.

“The conference showcased how cultural knowledge and science can be woven together to support stronger land and sea management across Zenadth Kes,” Ms Kris said.

The event opened with inspiring speeches by TSRA Chairperson George Nona, GBK Chairperson Ned David and TSIRC delegate, Environment & Climate Change Advisory Committee Chair Cr Kabay Tamu.

A powerful address in traditional language by TSRA Acting Deputy Chairperson and Portfolio Member for Environmental Management Patrick Mooka (pictured below) set the scene for the three-day event (Tuesday 21 – Thursday 23 April).

The symposium centred around 16 key values originally identified by Torres Strait communities for the 2016-2036 Torres Strait Land and Sea Management Strategy:

Ailan Kastom (island custom)
Coastal Birds
Coasts and Beaches
Coral Reefs
Dugong
Healthy Land Ecosystems
Healthy Marine Ecosystems
Mangroves and Wetlands
Marine Turtles
Marine Water Quality
Scientific Monitoring and Research
Seagrass Meadows
Strong Regional and Community-Based Management capacity
Subsistence Fishing
Sustainable Human Settlement
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)

In the lead up to the event, TSRA Rangers delivered 14 community workshops across the islands – often in local languages – engaging more than 300 community members.

Their efforts ensured local voices and perspectives were heard, grounding the symposium in local knowledge and community priorities.

TSRA Acting Ranger Operations Manager Alice Manas (pictured) said the approach embraced traditional knowledge.

“We are not talking about findings and statistics, we are talking about ancient knowledge, living stories and real people,” Ms Manas said.

“Rangers didn’t just collect data. They carried the voices, hopes and dreams of our communities.”

TSRA Chairperson George Nona (pictured) said the changing of seasons invited time for change and reflection.

“Some of our people may not have that piece of paper, but they have graduated from the school of life,” Mr Nona said.

“In the face of environmental change, we must work together weaving ancient wisdom and Western science to protect key values for future generations.

“Both worlds, traditional and western, have much to learn from each other,” he said.

Culture shone from the opening welcome (pictured) to final farewell led by Torres Strait Islander staff, including rangers, with widespread support from TSRA’s Environmental Program – Land and Sea Management Unit.

Inspiring change: TSRA land and sea team panellists

An inspiring panel of TSRA land and sea leaders (pictured left to right) – Laura Pearson, Stephen (Apo) Foster, Aaron Bon, Alice Manas, Tanya Anau, Don Whap and Troy Laza – shared local and cultural insight.

The event strongly supported local economic opportunities. Attendees enjoyed island kaikai (food) by local caterers, traditional performances from Island Stars led by Joey Laifoo, weaving sessions with Margaret Gabey (Nay Ama) and clothing and accessories at the Creativemind stall by Daniella Williams, along with event management services delivered by locally owned Indigenous business Lola Digital.

Island Stars: Attendees enjoyed the performance with support from TSRA’s Troy Laza.

The symposium will help inform the Torres Strait State of the Environment Report 2026 set to be released by end of year.

Mr Nona said the report would set community-led conservation priorities for the next decade.

“The 2026 report will be true co‑design putting First Nations knowledge first, supported by Western science,” Mr Nona said.

“We are forging a new path where communities are heard and valued with our knowledge woven together with science in best managing our own land and sea.

“As the Winds of Zenadth transition from Kuki to Sager, the Seasons of Change is here.”

Background:

The term Zenadth Kes combines the Torres Strait language names for the four winds (Gub) that blow through the Torres Strait region: Kuki, Sager, Zey and Nay Gay.

Kuki blows from the West from January to April.

Sager blows from the East from May until December.

Zey blows from the South randomly throughout the year.

Nay Gay blows from the North from October to December.