Image from project website. Photo credit Raquel Tardin-Coelho

We are thrilled to celebrate a remarkable achievement by one of our ISCCL members Raquel Tardin-Coelho: the Indigenous-led Regional Cumulative Effects Assessment and Management (I-RCEAM) research project has been honored with the prestigious A New Way Forward award at the 2026 CRC TiME Annual Awards.

This national award recognizes outstanding innovation in research across Australia.

Traditional approaches to environmental and heritage assessments in Australia often rely on project-by-project evaluations and basic consultations. The I-RCEAM research directly addresses this critical gap by advocating for regional-scale frameworks grounded in:

  • Indigenous authority and leadership

  • Methodological equity and shared decision-making

  • Indigenous knowledge, values, priorities, and aspirations

At its heart, the I-RCEAM framework redefines how we evaluate cumulative change, guide decision-making, and shape long-term regional futures, placing Indigenous voices directly at the center.

These groundbreaking principles align with our ongoing efforts within the ISCCL NatureCulture Working Group. We look forward to the lessons and values of the I-RCEAM framework  contributing to the work we do at ISCCL to further promote integrated, community-led heritage and environmental stewardship.

Read the full project report here