North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance

Reimagining Conservation 2024 | First Nations Day ✊🏿🌿 The first day of Reimagining Conservation 2024 was an opportunity for First Nations delegates to come together and discuss aspirations, common themes, and challenges faced by First Nations peoples working within the conservation sector. The centring and amplification of Indigenous voices in conservation and land management is the very foundation on which Reimagining Conservation continues to build. We are so grateful to everyone who attended First Nations Day and generously shared their thoughts, knowledge and experiences in order to set the priorities for the next three days of Reimagining Conservation 2024. 🌏✨ #ReimaginingConservation2024 #IndigenousLeadership #LookingAfterCountry #AustralianConservation #NAILSMA #IndigenousKnowledge #IndigenousPeoples #FirstNationsKnowledge

And that’s a wrap on Reimagining Conservation 2024! ✨🌿 Last week at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, over 150 people gathered from all over Australia to continue the crucial conversations on Indigenous-directed actions and outcomes in the conservation sector. "I was pleased to see so many passionate discussions about reimagining what conservation should look like in terms of strong, coordinated Indigenous-led voices and actions. These vibrant and insightful dialogues underscored the importance of empowering Indigenous communities to take the lead in conservation efforts and highlighted their invaluable knowledge and connection to the land. This collective reimagining promises not only more effective preservation strategies, but also a restoration of respect and collaboration that is long overdue." Barry J Hunter CEO, North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance None of this would have been possible without the delegates and speakers who shared their experiences, stories, knowledge and ideas. We are also immensely grateful to the Djabugay Traditional Owners, co-facilitator Cissy Gore-Birch OAM, Michelle and the amazing team at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Will Bessen from Tuna Blue Facilitation, photographers and videographers Seth and Bella, and of course our amazing staff and organising committee. We also wish to thank our generous sponsors The Nature Conservancy in Australia, Parks Australia, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Bush Heritage Australia and Protect Beautiful Queensland; and our presenting partner Australian Committee for IUCN. Watch this space as we begin to delve into some of the ideas, conversations and outcomes of Reimagining Conservation 2024, and carry these themes forward as we build towards Reimagining Conservation 2026. 🌏✨ Let’s keep the momentum going! #ReimaginingConservation2024 #IndigenousLeadership #LookingAfterCountry #AustralianConservation #NAILSMA #IndigenousKnowledge #IndigenousPeoples #FirstNationsKnowledge

Returning to Djabugay Country was made even more special through knowledge sharing from Barry J Hunter, Uncle and Rangers up the hill 🍃 This year's Reimagining Conservation Forum opened up more conversation on our need for the sector to see Country and understand Country our way. The ongoing land tenure and the associated impacts to cultural landscapes continue to prevent mob from healing Country. It was empowering to see a rise in youth voices stepping into the space as that critical knowledge transfer piece amplifies our voices. North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance Corinne Proske Kasey Singleton Emily Dillon

We’re excited to share that Ricky Archer will be joining us as a speaker at Reimagining Conservation 2024 💭🌱 A Djungan man from the Western Tablelands region of North Queensland, Ricky was appointed to the role of Director of National Parks in November 2023. His prior experience includes serving as the CEO of the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance, including as a Ranger and an IPA Manager. Ricky holds qualifications in conservation and land management, social science, and management. Ricky's involvement extends to collaborating with government entities, having served on several Commonwealth committees, including the Indigenous Advisory Committee, the National Landcare Advisory Committee, and contributing to the Samuel review – the independent Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Ricky is a strong supporter and advocate of the Indigenous Ranger movement and the Indigenous Protected Areas program. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Ricky’s invaluable perspectives on conservation and land management – grab your ticket now 🔗👉🏿https://bit.ly/3WVFC7s Reimagining Conservation 2024 | 19—22 August | Djabugay Country #LookingAfterCountry #AustralianConservation #NAILSMA #IndigenousKnowledge #IndigenousPeople #FirstNationsKnowledge

The program for Reimagining Conservation 2024 is out now! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to be part of the vital conversation around Indigenous-directed actions and outcomes in the conservation sector. Get in quick – early bird ticket pricing ends 19 July! We can’t wait to see you there. Check the program out now 🔗👉🏿 https://bit.ly/3WVFC7s

All of us at NAILSMA were deeply gratified yesterday to hear the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's announcement to designate 12 new Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) to better protect and conserve Australia’s land and seas. These new IPAs will protect 7.5 million hectares of land and 450,000 hectares of sea Country - safeguarding biodiversity and providing habitats for threatened native species. This recognition is a testament to the tireless efforts of Indigenous communities who have been the guardians of their lands for generations. These new protected areas not only safeguard rich biodiversity, but also reaffirm the crucial role that Indigenous knowledge and practices play in contemporary environmental management. Furthermore, they empower Indigenous communities by providing opportunities for employment, training, and skills development. These initiatives help strengthen Indigenous peoples’ access and connection to Country, ensuring that traditional practices and knowledge are preserved and passed down to future generations. By fostering economic growth and creating jobs, these protected areas offer pathways to sustainable livelihoods while enhancing community resilience. At NAILSMA, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and celebrate this landmark achievement that reinforces our commitment to sustainable land and sea management. This is not just a statement for conservation, but a profound acknowledgement of Indigenous sovereignty, cultural heritage, and our ongoing connection to Country. You can see a full list of the new IPAs here🔗👉🏿https://bit.ly/4bCMJVZ #IndigenousKnowledge #IndigenousProtectedAreas #Biodiversity #AustralianConservation #LookingAfterCountry #IndigenousPeoples #FirstNationsKnowledge

💚🤍💙 Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud 🖤💛❤ We can’t think of a better way to start Monday morning than by attending the NAIDOC Week 2024 Official Opening & Flag Raising Ceremony. It was a pleasure to hear Liam Boe Stansfield’s soulful singing, watch a beautiful performance by Torres Strait Islander Traditional Dancers, and to finish off the proceedings with the official flag raising.  Thank you to Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation Nation and City of Darwin for putting on this excellent event. #NAIDOC2024 #IndigenousPride #KeepTheFireBurning #LarrakiaNation

🌏 🌊 The world’s oceans are a life support system for Earth, influencing everything from weather patterns to supply chains, and even the air we breathe. Climate regulation, carbon absorption, biodiversity, transport and food are just a few of the things that we all rely on them for – and the stewardship of these oceans lies in the hands of Indigenous peoples around the globe – underpinned by centuries of traditional knowledge and a deep connection to the coast and sea. Marking World Oceans Day last month, Dr Leah Talbot, Traditional Owner adviser to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and NAILSMA Research Manager, discusses Traditional Owner obligations and the incorporation of Aboriginal knowledge into Great Berrier Reef restoration plans. Read the full article here ➡️🔗 https://bit.ly/3zcal6o #IndigenousKnowledge #FirstNationsKnowledge #WorldOceansDay #OceanConservation #ClimateAction #SustainableFuture #GreatBarrierReef #TraditionalOwners #Biodiversity #EnvironmentalStewardship #MarineEcosystems

NAILSMA are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Namultja Aboriginal Corporation on the appointment of their inaugural CEO, Liam Golding, pictured above with NAILSMA CEO Barry J Hunter. We are proud to have contributed critical capacity building support to Namultja throughout this process and are excited to see the realisation of the Marranbala Healthy Country Plan. Liam brings nearly two decades of dedicated service in northern Australia to this role, including experience in international community development projects, administrative leadership, strategic planning, and a background as a qualified landscape ecologist. We also wish to acknowledge the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory and Parks Australia for providing notable support and funding.

Earlier this month our CEO, Barry J Hunter joined Joe Morrison (CEO, Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation Group), Rodney Carter (CEO, Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation), and Cissy Gore-Birch (Co-Chair, Indigenous Carbon Industry Network) at Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) 2024 Summit in Naarm to talk about developing Indigenous-led economic opportunities in the land, sea and natural resources sector. We’re proud to have participated in Summit this year and wish to thank AIATSIS for providing a platform for these important conversations to take place, centring Indigenous leadership, knowledge, and governance systems. #aiatsisSUMMIT #IndigenousLeadership