As much of the planet’s life systems are lost, we urgently need innovative ways of looking after the iconic landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity of Australia. Contemporary conservation principles, together with Indigenous ecological knowledge and the expertise of Indigenous Traditional Owners are creating new ways for addressing the cluster of environmental issues facing our ancient continent. Indigenous conservation is an exciting part of WildCountry, and one that is generating social, economic and environmental returns.
WildCountry and Aboriginal Australia
Taking a continental and trans-cultural view of the Australian environment WildCountry is addressing global and continental conservation imperatives and recognising the important relationship between conservation, Aboriginal lands and the rights and responsibilities of Indigenous people. more »
Indigenous Conservation Strategies
Aboriginal land rights, Indigenous ecological knowledge, the land management expertise of Traditional Owners and the present-day conservation agenda, have combined to create a massive change in environmental policy and practice in Australia.
Rights, Culture and Tradition
The intertwining of indigenous cultural and natural values over tens of thousands of years has substantially shaped the Australian environment. The relationship of Traditional Owners to their country brings with it an intricate system of rights and responsibilities to ‘Care for Country’. Aboriginal rights lead to conservation and development.
Indigenous Conservation Updates
Australian Federal Election – Your environment, your future, your vote – July 23, 2010
The Federal election is on Saturday, August 21. Get active, tell the major parties the environment is your priority, and let’s get the environment and action on climate change on the federal agenda.
Biodiversity & Cultural Conservation strategy for Great Western Woodlands in final review phase – July 23, 2010
The WA government’s promised Biodiversity and Cultural Conservation Strategy for the Great Western Woodlands (GWW) has been finalised and is now being reviewed by various state government agencies, before being presented to the Western Australian Minister for the Environment.
How do we conserve our outback landscapes? – June 05, 2010
Larry Innes, Director of the Canadian Boreal Initiative visited Perth for part of an Australian tour to outline this groundbreaking conservation initiative.The success of the work in Canada holds many lessons for work in Australia seeking to keep our big outback landscapes healthy.
Indigenous Conservation Media Releases
– Hello… green policies? Gillard, Abbott Missing-In-Action on nature conservation – August 03, 2010
– The Wilderness Society has criticized both Labor and the Coalition for failing to present clear, positive policies to protect our native forests, our unique natural ecosystems and marine environments, and iconic places like the Kimberley and Cape York.
– Senate Report rejecting anti-Wild Rivers Bill welcomed – June 23, 2010
– The Wilderness Society has welcomed the main findings and recommendation of the final report from the Senate Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee, which has been examining a Bill to overturn Queensland’s groundbreaking Wild Rivers declarations.
– Queensland budget ‘a good deal for the environment’ – June 15, 2010
– The Wilderness Society welcomed the Queensland State Budget’s environmental commitments with the Bligh Government allocating funds for new national parks, Cape York World Heritage listing development, and additional Indigenous Wild River Ranger positions.