As over 600 Indigenous people gather on Larrakia Country this week for the First Nations Land and Water Management Forum Dangkal Gwo’yal-wa 2024, it’s time to recognise a fundamental truth – in a world grappling with climate change challenges and ecological collapse, Indigenous leadership offers the clarity and direction desperately required to steer a clear path forward.
It is no coincidence that Indigenous peoples are the custodians of most of the world’s remaining ecosystems rich in biodiversity, water and carbon storage, with customary knowledge systems deeply rooted in millennia of sustainable practices. For generations, the world’s Indigenous peoples have passed down knowledge, honed by a deep, reciprocal relationship with the land, waters, sky and all living and non-living beings that continue to occupy our country.
We hold the wisdom and expertise to restore ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and heal what has been broken. Yet, our voices are often sidelined in favour of short-term and unsustainable practices that only accelerate nature’s demise. If we are serious about addressing the climate and nature crisis, Indigenous leadership must be at the forefront. Across Australia, we have witnessed in our lifetime the degradation of Australia’s unique natural and cultural assets, whilst at the same time we have also witnessed the rise of the Caring for Country movement. This is a movement created by Indigenous leaders to reconnect our ancestral practices with our obligations to care for our Country and all those who now call Australia their home.
The strength of Caring for Country lies in our ability to connect both people and nature as one, not as separate entities. By taking such an approach – those Indigenous people who live and breathe Country every day have taken it upon themselves to be guardians of the national estate on behalf of all Australians. This is best known as the thousands of Indigenous rangers across the nation, the increasing number of Indigenous Protected Areas and the growing recognition that Indigenous people are best placed to manage Australia’s land and waters into the future.
The significance of Dangkal Gwo’yal-wa 2024 goes beyond the exchange of techniques and strategies – it’s as much about nurturing the bonds that keep our cultures alive, ensuring that the wisdom of our ancestors and Elders endure, and that the curiosity and energy of our young people are harnessed for the future.
The knowledge of our Elders, the stories embedded in our lands, and the practices that have sustained our cultures for millennia are undoubtedly at risk.
There is a dire need to create spaces where Indigenous people can share, learn, and pass on knowledge and practice while also tapping into the ingenuity and drive of the next generation. Only by bridging these generations can we ensure that what should never be lost endures for all humanity.
This forum is a crucial moment for us to unite.
It’s a space for us to share our knowledge, stories, and strategies for protecting and managing Country, but we need more than dialogue. We need a commitment to ongoing, well-resourced Indigenous-led forums like this that enable our communities to continually amplify our voices, advance our goals, and strategise together for the future. Consistent resourcing for national sector-wide Indigenous land and water management forums is not just necessary – it’s vital for the future of Australia’s natural and cultural resources. These gatherings empower Indigenous rangers and communities to collectively drive the direction of the sector and ensure that our collective leadership remains central.
The Caring for Country movement is more than a ranger workforce – it is the beating heart of land and water management in this country. It should be recognised as such, with a seat at the decision-making table and the resources to match. Empowering our Indigenous land and water managers will be the driving force to ensure that decision-making sits with those who know Country best and for those whose ancestors managed these resources and in most instances, will be their future generations that have to live with decisions we make today.
The path forward is clear. If we are to create a sustainable future for everyone, Indigenous land and water management must be embraced as the powerful solution it is. This means recognising our leadership by committing to ongoing forums where our voices are heard, establishing an Indigenous-led peak body to lead our sector, and committing to meaningful partnerships where Indigenous knowledge is not just acknowledged but actively supported. The sector stands ready to lead – the question is whether others are ready to listen and follow.