Media release
25 May 2013
More than 1,200 delegates from over 50 countries
are attending the four day World Indigenous
Network conference in Darwin, which starts
on Sunday 26 May 2013.
The World Indigenous
Network brings together Indigenous Peoples
and Local Communities land and sea managers
to share stories, knowledge, cultural experiences
and ideas to better manage ecosystems, protect
the environment and support sustainable
livelihoods.
The event was launched
by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, at the
United Nations Conference on Sustainable
Development (Rio +20) in Brazil last year.
The conference program
has more than 75 conference sessions, side
events, a community art space and dedicated
streams for both Indigenous women and youth.
It is an event that recognises and celebrates
cultural traditions and knowledge and the
value of marrying these traditions with
best available science.
Environment Minister,
Tony Burke, said the World Indigenous Network
conference participants were set to tackle
some big issues including ways to better
protect the environment and promote sustainable
use of natural resources.
"The expansion
of the Indigenous Rangers network in Australia
is one of the most important environmental
achievements of this Government, they do
some of the best environmental work I have
seen," Mr Burke said.
"This conference
will be an important foundation for future
plans for domestic and international networks
that allow Indigenous rangers and others,
to continue to work together to share their
traditional knowledge, experiences and skills.
"Just as the work
of traditional owners has been some of the
best environmental work I have seen, it's
hard to conceive of the potential which
this conference holds.
"There has never
been a time in our planet's history where
the environment has more at stake and there
has never been a time where traditional
knowledge has more to offer."
Member for Lingiari,
Warren Snowdon said that since 2008, around
700 land management positions had been filled
across Australia, often going to Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people in remote
parts of Australia.
"As a Northern
Territorian, I know these programs contribute
to protecting and preserving Australia's
environment, heritage and culture, but they
are also an opportunity for many Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people to undertake
work which is important and meaningful to
them," Mr Snowdon said.
"Today, there are
56 indigenous protected areas Australia
wide protecting an astonishing 43 million
hectares, over 30% of the protected area
estate in this country."
Senator for the Northern
Territory, Trish Crossin, said it was a
privilege that the conference would be held
in Darwin.
"Darwin welcomes
this, and the NT has a lot to offer, given
the Indigenous ranger industry we have running
strong in the Territory."
+ More
Supporting Traditional
Owners to protect turtles and dugongs
Media release
22 May 2013
The Australian and Queensland governments
are providing support for Traditional Owners
to managing marine turtles, dugongs and
sea-country in Queensland.
Environment Minister
Tony Burke said this was the first round
of grants under the Australian Government's
package to support Queensland's Indigenous
communities in managing their sea country.
"I have spent a
lot of time with traditional owners and
indigenous rangers in Cape York and they
are doing some great work in protecting
turtles and dugongs from a range of threats
such as feral pigs,'' Mr Burke said.
"There is no doubt
that our engagement with traditional owners
is resulting in improved protection for
turtles and dugong.
"Given the remote
nature of the communities in this part of
Australia there is no one in a better position
to do this important conservation work than
traditional owners themselves.
"The knowledge
of Traditional Owners is crucial to our
ongoing management of turtle and dugongs
and sea-country in Queensland and these
grants will help groups continue and expand
their good work.
"We consulted with
Traditional Owners through forums on how
to support the sustainable management of
Queensland's sea country.
"We've responded
to feedback from Traditional Owners, developing
a package that includes a range of measures
to increase engagement and participation
of Queensland's Indigenous communities in
activities such as sustainable harvest of
dugongs and turtles by Traditional Owners."
As a part of the funding
package, Traditional Owners and their organisations
applied for grants to undertake sea country
management activities.
"Indigenous organisations
are being funded for a range of projects
including support for sea country planning
activities, turtle rehabilitation facilities,
sea grass monitoring and leadership development,"
Mr Burke said.
"The funding is
part of our broader commitment, which includes
support for Cape York Indigenous groups
to develop a regional approach to sustainably
managing marine turtle and dugong.
"It also provides
financial support for an Indigenous Sea
Country Strategic Policy Group, who are
working with Traditional Owners across the
State to support Indigenous management of
sea country."
The initiative builds
on existing Australian and Queensland Government
investment under the Working on Country
Indigenous ranger and Reef Rescue programs
and is undertaken in conjunction with the
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
and the Queensland Government.
