6.3: Developing an effective conservation and sustainable use economy in Arnhem Land: options for payment for environmental services

Leader:

John Altman

Abstract

Much of the Indigenous estate in north Australia is either thinly populated or unpopulated. There is emerging evidence that, in situations where Indigenous people live on their country, ecological and wider benefits are generated via favourable fire regimes, control over weed infestations, and potentially through feral animal harvesting. When people are on country, they generate economic benefit for themselves by harvesting wildlife for consumption and engage with the market sector by using natural resources in commercial enterprise like arts and crafts production.

This research project seeks to quantify the environmental needs and costs of environmental management in two contexts, the Mann-Liverpool riverine environment in central Arnhem Land, where the Djelk IPA is to be declared in August 2009, and the coastal area of the Dhimurru IPA.

Outcomes

The research will assess both prospects and time frames for developing a NRM-based economy in these areas habitats at a time when there is considerable policy debate about on-country and off-country employment prospects.

This should result in better informed decision-makers in community, business and government regarding payment for ecosystem services to support regional economies.

The removal of many barriers to enhanced and innovative Indigenous participation in such activities, and equitable public support, if required, should facilitate sustainable economic development options that are compatible with Indigenous priorities, while ameliorating Indigenous disadvantage.

Where is the research happening?

The project will focus on a river catchment, the Mann-Liverpool in central Arnhem Land, near Maningrida and a coastal area in the region of the Dhimurru IPA in north east Arnhem Land. These regions are within the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Land Trust and falls under the jurisdiction of Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation and its Djelk Land and Sea Rangers, and the Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation respectively.

Who's involved

The project is supervised by Professor Jon Altman, Director of the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, Australian National University and the Project Researchers are Dr Giovanni Concu and Dr Jennifer Koenig.