Indigenous Knowledge

Indigenous Australians have been managing their land and sea Country in North West Australia for more than 40,000 years. With spiritual beliefs and way of life closely linked to Country, Indigenous Australians have an intimate knowledge of their environment deeply embedded in their culture, language, traditions and stories.

Representing the Traditional Owners of North West Australia, the Kimberley Ranger Network provides the frontline in current management practices in the region. Using a combination of traditional knowledge, western science and modern technologies to improve marine conservation and management outcomes, the Rangers are tasked with protecting the unique biodiversity values of this beautiful region.

Working hand-in-hand with research scientists from a range of organisations, the Rangers and scientists share their different knowledge and expertise to improve understanding and management of the region. Some of these shared research initiatives are highlighted below.

Aboriginal people are warned that this website may contain images of deceased people

A guide to Indigenous science, management and governance of Australian coastal waters

Published on

5 February 2020

Understanding the management and governance of Australia’s vast coastline can be complex.

Indigenous partnerships in marine science

Published on

16 December 2019

Bardi-Jawi Marine Rangers partner with marine scientists to research fish and coral recruitment processes in the Kimberley.

Where are Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) in Australia?

Published on

23 November 2018

Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) in Australia are voluntarily dedicated by Indigenous groups on Indigenous owned or managed land or sea country.

Where does Native Title exist in Australia?

Published on

9 December 2016

Native title is the recognition in Australian law that some Indigenous people continue to hold rights to their land and waters, which come from their traditional laws and customs.

What are the Preferred and Alternate names for indigenous locations where Australian Government programs and services have been, are being, or may be provided?

Published on

29 November 2016

The Australian Government developed its Indigenous Programs & Policy Locations (AGIL) dataset as an authoritative source of indigenous location names across Australia.

Where do Representative Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Body (RATSIB) areas exist across Australia?

Published on

29 November 2016

The National Native Title Tribunal was established by the Native Title Act 1993 to make decisions, conduct inquiries, reviews and mediations, and assist various parties with native title applications, and Indigenous land use agreements (‘ILUAs’).

Where do Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUA) exist across Australia?

Published on

29 November 2016

An Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) is an agreement about the use and management of land and waters made between people who hold, or may hold, native title in the area, and other people, organisations or governments.

How do people value the Kimberley coast?

Published on

16 June 2016

To-date, little attention has been paid to the social values associated with marine parks. However, understanding peoples’ needs and values is essential for effective marine park planning and management.