News

New Publication on Sea Country Indigenous Protected Areas

Published: 26 Jun 2023

Tiwi Rangers James Desantis and Chris Long out on Sea Country. Photo: Annette Ruzicka

Dive into our new mini publication - Contemporary Management of Sea Country Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs).

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, there's no separation between land and sea, and they hold traditional rights, responsibilities and interests across the sea floor, islands and the whole of Sea Country. Sea Country IPAs extend protective management over marine critters and seabirds and can also include estuaries, lagoons, mangrove forests, reefs and cultural sites. They conserve and protect not just environmental values, but also cultural values, under the guidance of Traditional Owners.

Whilst there are many operational and logistical obligations in managing a Sea Country IPA, the benefits are great, and when properly supported, reposition Traditional Owners as active participants and drivers in the decision-making and management of their Saltwater Country.

 

Download the full publication here.