Indigenous knowledge is saving our iconic species

Indigenous-led designation and management of Culturally Significant Species

“…In Australia, it is evident from national recovery planning mechanisms 9,10,13,16,18 , that policy makers nd it challenging to integrate Indigenous Knowledge and traditional management practices in meaningful and holistic ways. Attempts are often made to engage Indigenous people in a fee for service model to implement actions such as pest management or monitoring, instead of forming partnerships that invest in the cultural wellbeing and empowerment of Indigenous Australians to continue their ongoing stewardship of Country 10 . This highlights the importance of genuine collaborative management approaches with shared decision-making, to ensure all values and perspectives are addressed.…”

“…To drive the Indigenous-led management of CSE, a collaborative approach is increasingly being recognized as an effective tool to promote biodiversity conservation and enhance the wellbeing of local Indigenous people 8 . The real potential of collaborative management of CSE has yet to be fully comprehended, due largely to the lack of Indigenous involvement in decision-making at local, regional and national levels 4,[8][9][10] .…”

“…To date, in Australia there has been limited Indigenous-led designation and management of CSE without an alternative underlying aim, such as focusing on CSE that are listed as protected matters under national law, and which are likely to be impacted by a key threatening process such as climate change 1,10 . This is entrenched by a misconception that for a species to be recognized as culturally signi cant, it must too be impacted by a threatening process or listed as threatened.…”

Australia's biodiversity crisis and the need for the Biodiversity Council

“…Australia's response to the biodiversity crisis has been grossly inadequate and past failure to recognise, respect and support First Peoples cultural land management approaches has exacerbated biodiversity declines (Goolmeer & van Leeuwen 2023). Legislation, policies and planning processes have enabled ongoing biodiversity losses (Hughes et al 2023).…”

“…It's time for governments, conservationists and researchers alike, to recognise the enduring tangible and intangible value of the Indigenous Estate (Gore-Birch et al 2022). To ensure First People's perspectives and expertise are effectively included in the priorities and work of the Biodiversity Council, First People are included at all levels of decision-making (Goolmeer & van Leeuwen 2023), including two representatives on the Board, a Co-chief Councillor, and making up one third of the Council. First Peoples are supported to deliver an Indigenous-led work plan.…”