What are Indigenous Protected Areas?
Indigenous Protected Areas are lands and seas managed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups for conservation. They form a large share of Australia's National Reserve System.
Traditional Owners voluntarily dedicate their country as an Indigenous Protected Area, agreeing to manage it to protect nature and culture. The first, Nantawarrina in South Australia's Flinders Ranges, was declared in 1998.
There are now more than 80 Indigenous Protected Areas, covering tens of millions of hectares, from deserts to coastal waters. They make up roughly half of Australia's protected land area.
Indigenous rangers
Indigenous rangers care for country by controlling weeds and feral animals, managing fire, monitoring wildlife and protecting cultural sites. The Working on Country program has funded rangers since 2007.
Ranger work combines traditional knowledge with modern science, and it provides jobs in remote communities.
Rangers also patrol coasts for illegal fishing and ghost nets.
Many Indigenous Protected Areas earn income from carbon projects, tourism and contracts to manage biosecurity, and rangers often work alongside scientists from universities and government agencies.
Did You Know?
Women ranger groups have become an important part of the Indigenous ranger movement.