Published: 23 Nov 2016
Once again, Indigenous rangers and Indigenous Protected Areas have been identified as shining lights in Indigenous Affairs, this time in the mostly damning Productivity Commission report into Indigenous Affairs programs, Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators 2016.
For the second time this year (here's the first time), the government's own research has shown that Indigenous rangers and Indigenous Protected Areas should be grown for the long term.
The Productivity Commission estimated just 34 programs out of 1000 are working – and Indigenous rangers and Indigenous Protected Areas are two of them.
From page 145 of the 3500 page Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators 2016 report
Around the country, the work being done by Indigenous rangers is protecting nature and transforming lives. The effect of Indigenous rangers and protected areas can be seen from the deserts and bushlands threatened by wildfires, to mangrove-lined coastlines cleared of marine debris, and weed-free lush rainforests. It can be seen in motivated schoolkids, empowered women and men, and new community leaders.
It is essential that Indigenous ranger and Indigenous Protected Area programs are secured for the long term.