JCU > Research Portfolio > Dr Diane Jarvis

About

Profile

I am an environmental economist with an emerging record of research accomplishments in the study of social and economic aspects of environmental/natural resource management, focusing primarily on investigating and evaluating trade-offs and co-benefits arising from natural resource use/environmental conservation and economic development within northern Australia, involving cross-cultural, cross-disciplinary and cross institutional collaborations.

I have developed a range of economic analysis skills that can be applied to improving knowledge and informing policy regarding natural resource use within northern Australia. The majority of my research has focused on (i) the impact of the GBR and water quality in the GBR lagoon on residents of the GBR catchment and tourists visiting the region and on the impacts of economic activity in the GBR region on the GBR/water quality; (ii) the impact of economic, social and environmental factors on life satisfaction; and (iii) the economic impact of Indigenous land management programmes.

My current role includes requires me to provide a quantitative, integrative approach to understanding the complex problems related to the development of northern Australia, identifying pathways towards the development of solutions to these problems. This involves taking an innovative and solution-focused approach to a range of issues relevant to the development of tropical landscapes in northern Australia and more broadly. Working in multi-disciplinary teams consisting of external stakeholders and experts from JCU and CSIRO my focus is on using systems approaches to investigate environmental, social and economic trade-offs, co-benefits and synergies related to the development of natural resources.

My research interests lie in improving our understanding of the economic and social values that are derived from the environment, then using this understanding to inform policy relating to environmental conservation and natural resource management. My research contributes to a number of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs: 3, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14 & 15.

PostGraduate (PhD, MA) or Honours (Hons.) student enquiries

Students interested in undertaking a project relating to natural resource use or environmental conservation and sustainable development should contact me to discuss potential projects. Information and application forms can be obtained from the Graduate Research School. The deadline for applications are the 31st August (international applicants) and the 31st October (domestic applicants) every year.

Ongoing Research Projects

I am currently working with colleagues at JCU, at CSIRO and with other external partners on research focused around environmental and natural resource economics within Northern Australia. Current significant projects include:

National Environmental Science Programme (NESP) - Tropical Water Quality Hub: Project 5.1 Matching the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Integrated Pest Management to the scale of the new Control Program. More information can be found at: https://nesptropical.edu.au/index.php/round-5-projects/project-5-1/
National Environmental Science Programme (NESP) - Northern Australia Environmental Resources Hub: Project 5.3 Multiple benefits and knowledge systems of Indigenous Land Management Programs (ILMPs) - Economic perspective. More information can be found at http://www.nespnorthern.edu.au/projects/nesp/multiple-benefits-knowledge-systems-ilmps/
CRC for Developing Northern Australia funded project: Building traditional owner led bush products enterprises within Northern Australia. Further information can be found at the following links: https://www.csiro.au/en/Research/LWF/Areas/Pathways/Indigenous-futures/Indigenous-NRM/Indigenous-bush-products and at http://www.crcna.com.au/research/current-projects/building-the-traditional-owner-led-bush-products-sector/

Recently Completed Projects

Previous significant research project on which I have participated include:

Northern Australia Water Resource Assessment - major CSIRO report for the Australian Government. The project aims to identify the potential to increase water-related development opportunities in northern Australia. Diane is involved in assessing potential social and economic impacts and risks of water resource and irrigation development. More information can be found at: http://www.csiro.au/en/Research/Major-initiatives/Northern-Australia/Current-work/NAWRA
Department of the Environment and Energy - Contract Research - Scoping of Options for the Mid-Term Review of the Reef 2050 Plan - 2017
NERP Tropical Ecosystems Hub Project 10.2 Socio-economic system and reef resilience 2011 - 2014
NERP Tropical Ecosystems Hub Project 12.3 Relative social and economic values of residents and tourists in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area 2011 – 2014
NERP Northern Australia Hub Project Improving the efficiency of biodiversity investment 2011 - 2014. More information can be found at: https://www.nespnorthern.edu.au/projects/nerp/improving-the-efficiency-of-biodiversity-investment/

Teaching

EC5214: Case Studies in Applied Economics and Finance (Level 5; TSV)
EV2003: Introduction to Environmental Economics (Level 2; CNS & TSV)
EV5003: Environmental Economics (Level 5; CNS & TSV)

Interests

Research

Environmental and natural resource economics, particularly with regard to valuing economic and social benefits derived from the environment, and how the use and management of natural resources can contribute to sustainable development, with a focus on Northern Australia.

Teaching

Sharing my belief that utilising appropriate economic analysis and tools can bring economic, social and environmental benefits; sharing knowledge of which tools are appropriate in which circumstances and the risks that arise from inappropriate analysis.

Experience

2016 to present - Research Fellow, James Cook University/CSIRO (Townsville)
2011 to 2016 - Research Assistant, James Cook University (Cairns)

Research Disciplines

Socio-Economic Objectives

Honours

Awards

2018 - Winner Early Career Researcher category, 3MT competition, for presentation on economic co-benefits arising from Indigenous Land and Sea Management Programs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8lyitKKgfE

Fellowships

2019 - Research Fellow with the Cairns Institute
2019 - Research affiliate with TropWATER https://www.tropwater.com/person/diane-jarvis/

Publications

These are the most recent publications associated with this author. To see a detailed profile of all publications stored at JCU, visit ResearchOnline@JCU. Hover over Altmetrics badges to see social impact.

Journal Articles

Addison J, Stoeckl N, Larson S, Jarvis D, Bidan Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC , Bunuba Dawangarri Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC , Ewamian Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC , Gooniyandi Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC , Yanunijarra Ngurrara Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC and Esparon M (2019) The ability of community based natural resource management to contribute to development as freedom and the role of access. World Development, 120. pp. 91-104
Kubiszewski I, Jarvis D and Zakariyya N (2019) Spatial variations in contributors to life satisfaction: an Australian case study. Ecological Economics, 164.
Kubiszewski I, Zakariyya N and Jarvis D (2019) Subjective wellbeing at different spatial scales for individuals satisfied and dissatisfied with life. PeerJ, 7.
Larson S, Stoeckl N, Jarvis D, Addison J, Prior S and Esparon M (2019) Using measures of wellbeing for impact evaluation: proof of concept developed with an Indigenous community undertaking land management programs in northern Australia. Ambio, 48 (1). pp. 89-98
Jarvis D, Stoeckl N, Addison J, Larson S, Hill R, Pert P and Watkin Lui F (2018) Are Indigenous land and sea management programs a pathway to Indigenous economic independence? The Rangeland Journal, 40 (4). pp. 415-429
Jarvis D, Stoeckl N, Hill R and Pert P (2018) Indigenous land and sea management programs: can they promote regional development and help "close the (income) gap"? Australian Journal of Social Issues, 53 (3). pp. 283-303
Jarvis D, Stoeckl N and Liu H (2017) New methods for valuing, and for identifying spatial variations, in cultural services: a case study of the Great Barrier Reef. Ecosystem Services, 24. pp. 58-67
Chacón A, Stoeckl N, Jarvis D and Pressey B (2016) Using insights about key factors impacting 'quality of life' to inform effective on-farm conservation programs: a case study in Northern Australia. Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, 23 (4). pp. 338-355
Chaiechi T, Stoeckl N, Jarvis D, Lewis S and Brodie J (2016) Assessing the impact of price changes and extreme climatic events on sediment loads in a large river catchment near the Great Barrier Reef. Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 60 (3). pp. 386-405
Farr M, Stoeckl N, Esparon M, Larson S and Jarvis D (2016) The importance of water clarity to tourists in the Great Barrier Reef and their willingness to pay to improve it. Tourism Economics, 22 (2). pp. 331-352
Jarvis D, Stoeckl N and Liu H (2016) The impact of economic, social and environmental factors on trip satisfaction and the likelihood of visitors returning. Tourism Management, 52. pp. 1-18
Tran L, Stoeckl N, Esparon M and Jarvis D (2016) If climate change means more intense and more frequent drought, what will that mean for agricultural production? A case study in Northern Australia. Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, 23 (3). pp. 281-297

More: ResearchOnline@JCU stores 33+ research outputs authored by Dr Diane Jarvis from 2013 onwards.

Current Funding

Current and recent Research Funding to JCU is shown by funding source and project.

Department of the Environment and Energy - National Environmental Science Program (NESP) - Tropical Water Quality Hub (TWQ Hub)

Matching the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish integrated pest management to the scale of the new control program

Indicative Funding: $37,000 (administered by CSIRO Land & Water)
Summary: Thorns Starfish Integrated Pest Management Program is designing an ecologically informed control program that integrates knowledge of the spatial and temporal dynamics of CoTS outbreaks and the operations of on-water control to provide i) the most efficient strategies for investing management effort at all scales of management; ii) an operational framework for the control program, and (iii) to identify and fill key research gaps. This project will support the expansion of the tools to match the expansion of the control program, finalise scenario testing to assess appropriate control objectives, and, assess the social benefits of the CoTS training program.
Investigators: David Westcott, Cameron Fletcher, Peter Mumby, Kay Critchell, Russ C Babcock, Scott Condie, Eva Plaganyi-Lloyd, Matthew Curnock and Diane Jarvis (Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation, The University of Queensland, College of Business and Law & Governance)
Keywords: Cdrown of Thorns Starfish; benefits of CoTs training program; Impact Evaluation; social return on investment; CoTS training program evaluation; reef 2050 Indigenous strategy

Queensland Department of Environment and Science - Consultancy

Landholders driving change: Survey Development and Analysis

Indicative Funding: $70,655 over 3 years (administered by NQ Dry Tropics)
Summary: Providing analysis for NQDT of data over three years regarding graziers participating in the Landholders Driving Change program, including contribution to the development of the project completion survey.
Investigators: Diane Jarvis in collaboration with Anthea Coggan, Elizabeth Hobman and Rachel Eberhard (College of Business, Law & Governance, Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation and Eberhard Consulting)
Keywords: Land Management; Water Quality; Grazing; Practice Change; Burdekin Major Intergrated Project; Project Evaluation

Queensland Department of Environment and Science - Contract Research

Landholders Driving Change

Indicative Funding: $85,000 (administered by NQ Dry Tropics)
Summary: The objective of the Landholders Driving Change (LDC) Major Integrated Project (MIP) is to work closely with landholders in the Bowen Broken Bogie (BBB) catchments to tackle erosion and improve land management, productivity and reef water quality in the Burdekin region.
Investigators: Allan Dale, Rachel Eberhard, Anthea Coggan, Diane Jarvis, Anna Roberts, Geoff Park, Steve Skull, Romy Greiner and Jennifer McHugh in collaboration with Stuart Whitten (Cairns Institute, Eberhard Consulting, Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation, College of Business, Law & Governance, Natural Decisions, Alluvium Consulting and River Consulting)
Keywords: Erosion; Natural Resource Management; Burdekin Region; Land Management; Water Quality

Australian Research Council - Discovery Early Career Researcher Award

An Integrative Assessment of Factors Contributing to Wellbeing in Australia

Indicative Funding: $20,000 (administered by ANU)
Summary: A collaboration with ANU, contributing to a project that is a first attempt at a comprehensive, integrative, assessment of which factors contribute most significantly to the sustainable wellbeing of the Australian population. It will employ regression analyses to explore the relationship between social, economic, and environmental indicators and subjective wellbeing. The results will allow estimates of the relative value and trade-offs of the factors in creating wellbeing. GIS maps will show the special patterns and distribution of the contributing factors at local and regional scales, providing detailed information about the assets and policy recommendations for improving sustainable wellbeing.
Investigators: Diane Jarvis (College of Business and Law & Governance)
Keywords: human well being; natural capital; Social Capital

Qld Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy - Contract Research

Stewardship Indicators to Establish a Human Dimensions Baseline for the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan

Indicative Funding: $19,120 (administered by CSIRO)
Summary: The project contributes to the Reef 2050 WQIP objectives of supporting industries and communities to build a culture of innovation and stewardship and developing a quantitative measure of a range of human dimensions related to innovation and stewardship. Desired short term outcomes include a clear and shared understanding of what the 'human dimensions' are as applied to promoting a 'culture of innovation of stewardship' and measureable indicators that inform progress towards that objective and a conceptually robust but operationally pragmatic HD Baseline is compiled that informs future design of monitoring systems and current government program delivery decision-making.
Investigators: Diane Jarvis (College of Business and Law & Governance)
Keywords: Human Dimensions Indicators; Reef 2050 Plan; Great Barrier Reef; Water Quality Improvement Plan; Building culture Innovation stewardship; Quantitative measure of human dimensions

Department of the Environment and Energy - Contract Research

Scoping of Options for the Mid-Term Review of the Reef 2050 Plan

Indicative Funding: $38,334 (administered by CSIRO)
Summary: The Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) is seeking services to scope options for the upcoming, planned 2018 mid-term review of Reef 2050 Plan which is the overarching framework for protecting and managing the Reef until 2050. A consortium consisting of key leaders and experts from CSIRO, the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences (AIMS) and JCU, complemented with specialist expertise from an independent consultant, Eberhard Consulting has been established to conduct the review.
Investigators: Allan Dale, Diane Jarvis, Jane Addison and Nerida Horner (Cairns Institute, College of Business, Law & Governance and Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation)
Keywords: Reef 2050 Plan; Great Barrier Reef; Reef Water Qality Protection Plan; Ecosystem Values; Water Quality; Human Dimenisons of GBR

Supervision

Advisory Accreditation: I can be on your Advisory Panel as a Primary or Secondary Advisor.

These Higher Degree Research projects are either current or by students who have completed their studies within the past 5 years at JCU. Linked titles show theses available within ResearchOnline@JCU.

Completed

Generating and evaluating salinity and temperature resilient microalgae for tropical outdoor cultivation in Australia (2019, PhD , Secondary Advisor)

Collaboration

The map shows research collaborations by institution from the past 7 years.
Note: Map points are indicative of the countries or states that institutions are associated with.