As large-scale agriculture, drought, bushfire and introduced species reduce entire countries’ biodiversity and long-term prosperity, Indigenous academics are calling for a fresh look at the governance and practices of mainstream environmental management institutions. Aboriginal Australians’ world view and connection to Country provide a rich source of knowledge and innovations for better land and water management policies when Indigenous decision-making is enacted, the researchers say. Incorporating more of the spirit and principles of Aboriginal and other First Nations people’s appreciation and deep understanding of the landscape and its features has been overlooked or sidelined in the past—to the detriment of the environment, a new report says. “When Indigenous nations become sovereign partners in environmental management, the power structures and worldviews that underlie decision-making can be productively challenged … creating new solutions to pressing environmental issues,” says Flinders University researcher Dr. Samantha Muller, lead author on the paper. “Indigenous agency and governance is driving innovations in land management worldwide that provide more equitable solutions and strategic approaches to looking after the lands, waters and all living things, particularly in the face of climate change.” To view the full article visit the Phys.org.
