Published: 22 Aug 2017
The World Future Council has awarded the Australian Government a bronze Future Policy Award for the Indigenous ranger and Indigenous Protected Area programs in Hamburg today, recognising the programs as two of the world’s best policies combatting desertification and land degradation this year.
The Country Needs People campaign welcomes the award but is asking why the government isn't giving Indigenous rangers and Indigenous Protected Areas the certainty they need by signing off on contracts for extension for these programs.
Both programs are due to expire in less than a year and, while the government has signalled intent to extend the Indigenous ranger program to 2020 and the Indigenous Protected Area program to 2023, Indigenous land and sea management organisations are yet to receive confirmation in the way of contract extensions.
Also known as “Oscar for Best Policies”, the Future Policy Award highlights the world’s best policies that combat desertification and land degradation this year.
Alexandra Wandel, Director of the World Future Council, says the Indigenous ranger and Indigenous Protected Area programs are "placing Australia, along with the other Future Policy Awardees, firmly on the map as an environmental leader."
“Australia’s win of the Bronze Future Policy Award is sending a strong, empowering message: they show how a country vulnerable to desertification and climate change can find a smart and highly effective way to successfully address a global challenge.”