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Climate change

Arafura Swamp Indigenous Protected Area Dedicated in Northern Territory

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Arafura Swamp in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, has been designated as an Indigenous Protected Area (IPA), marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts. The 1.3 million-hectare IPA will be jointly managed by the Yolngu, Bininj, and Rembarrnga Traditional Owners and Custodians, in partnership with the Australian Government. This dedication event celebrates the work done by local communities to establish the IPA, which will help protect critically endangered species such as the Eastern Curlew, Northern Quoll, and Northern Brushtail Possum.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Arafura Swamp IPA covers 1.3 million hectares, making it one of the largest freshwater swamps in Northern Australia.
  • The IPA is a critical conservation area, helping to protect biodiversity and cultural heritage.
  • The dedication of the Arafura Swamp IPA supports Australia's goal to protect 30% of land and 30% of marine areas by 2030.
  • IPAs are partnerships between Traditional Owners, Custodians, and the Australian Government, making up more than half of Australia's protected land.
  • The IPA program is jointly administered by the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water and the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
  • The Arafura Swamp Ranger Aboriginal Corporation will continue to work with Traditional Owners, Custodians, and partners to manage the IPA and conserve the area.
  • The IPA will help protect animals such as the Eastern Curlew, Northern Quoll, and Northern Brushtail Possum.
  • The dedication event celebrated the work done by local communities to establish the IPA.

Statistics:

  • 1.3 million hectares: The size of the Arafura Swamp IPA.
  • 50%: The proportion of Australia's protected land that is Indigenous Protected Areas.
  • 1030: The year in which Australia aims to protect 30% of land and 30% of marine areas.
  • 1.3: The number of Traditional Owners groups involved in managing the Arafura Swamp IPA.

Sources:

  • Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (N/A)
  • National Indigenous Australians Agency (N/A)
  • Australian Government (N/A)
  • Arafura Swamp Ranger Aboriginal Corporation (N/A)
  • Yolngu, Bininj, and Rembarrnga Traditional Owners (referenced in the text as the custodians of the IPA)

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