The dedication of the Tiwi Islands Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) was celebrated yesterday with a ceremony at Wurrumiyanga in the Northern Territory.
The new IPA covers 718,463 hectares of Country and will be managed by the Tiwi Land Council.
The IPA holds significant cultural and environmental value supporting important bushfoods and medicines, making this a critical place for protection.
It is home to 19 threatened plant species and 28 threatened animal species, such as the Brush-tailed Rabbit-rat and Tiwi Hooded Robin.
The Tiwi community and Tiwi Rangers, who manage the IPA, have recently been recognised for achieving the world’s largest successful eradication of the Tropical Fire Ant.
This is the 13th IPA dedicated by the Albanese Government since 2022 – a key part of delivering on the Government’s commitment to protect 30 percent of land by 2030.
Photos from yesterday’s ceremony are available here.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
“We want to see more Traditional Owners protecting more of their land, that’s why we’re supporting the establishment of new Indigenous Protected Areas through the $250 million Australian Bushland program.
“These areas also contribute to our National Reserve System and our commitment of protecting 30 per cent of land by 2030.
“The Tiwi Islands IPA brings the total protected landmass to 24.92 per cent.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
“The dedication of the Tiwi Islands IPA reflects the vision and leadership of Traditional Owners in protecting biodiversity while creating opportunities that deliver social, cultural and economic benefits for generations to come.
“This is about supporting Traditional Owners to lead land and sea management.
“Through our expansion of the Indigenous Rangers Program, we’ve invested in new ranger positions on the Tiwi Islands, creating jobs on Country and strengthening the capacity to manage this unique environment.
“The Tiwi Islands have faced the full force of nature in recent weeks and this dedication is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of Tiwi people.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities and Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:
“My family is Tiwi so I’m well aware of the vital role Traditional Owners play in protecting country on the islands.
“The Tiwi Islands IPA dedication shows our Government’s commitment to respecting traditional knowledge and practices, and we also continue to invest in the Indigenous Rangers Program meaning more jobs for Tiwi people to care for their country.
“Our Government is proud to support Traditional Owners through these projects and acknowledge the hard work that has been undertaken to get to this dedication.”