Joint media release: Indigenous land and water management knowledge to be shared at national conference

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Malarndirri McCarthy MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians

Indigenous land and water managers from across Australia will gather on Larrakia Country in Darwin from 27 to 29 August at the Dangkal Gwo’yal-wa (Strong Country) Land and Water Management Forum.

For the first time in over a decade, Indigenous rangers and Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) providers will gather together and have an opportunity to build stronger connections and share the knowledge needed to care for Country into the future.

The Forum’s theme Healthy Country, Healthy Water, Healthy Communities aligns with the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and recognises First Nations peoples’ ancient and ongoing connection to Country.

The Albanese Labor Government is ensuring that First Nations people are at the forefront of conservation efforts, by investing $1.3 billion to support the Indigenous Ranger Program and more than $230 million to expand Indigenous Protected Areas.

These initiatives are creating sustainable jobs and economic benefits for First Nations communities.

Indigenous rangers and Indigenous land and water managers play an important role in the health of our country through their valuable knowledge and hard work in communities.

Indigenous rangers are increasingly taking the lead or playing a vital role in disaster recovery efforts and mitigation activities.

The National Indigenous Australians Agency, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation are partnering to deliver the Dangkal Gwo’yal-wa Forum, which will also focus on strengthening sector governance and building organisational capacity and capabilities.

More information on the Dangkal Gwo’yal-wa Forum is available here.

Quotes attributable to Minister McCarthy

“This gathering marks a significant moment as Indigenous rangers and land managers come together to share their invaluable knowledge and strengthen their connections with Country.

“Our investment in expanding the Indigenous Ranger Program and Indigenous Protected Areas is not just supporting conservation; we’re creating sustainable opportunities and driving economic growth within communities.

“This Forum is an important step towards realising these goals and reinforcing our partnership with Indigenous communities.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Plibersek:

“First Nations people have actively managed Country for 65,000 years. That’s why we’re empowering First Nations communities to protect Australia’s environment, while also supporting local jobs and economic development.

“This forum is a fantastic initiative. We all have so much to learn from Indigenous land and water managers about how we can better protect the diverse lands and waters of this country – and land managers have so much to share and learn from each other.”

Quotes attributable to Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation CEO, Joe Morrison:

“The Dangkal Gwo’yal-wa (Strong Country) Land and Water Management Forum is a crucial moment for land and sea managers from across the country to unite.

“The Forum is a vital space to share knowledge, stories, and strategies for protecting Country.

“The Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation is proud to be a partner of the Forum and we will continue to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia to achieve their aspirations for their Country and families.”