WWF Welcomes Groote Eylandt Archipelago IPA Designation
06 Jun 2006
WWF-Australia welcomes the designation of the Groote Eylandt Archipelago as Australia's latest Indigenous Protected Area (IPA).
The Archipelago, a combined land and sea area of 10,000 km2, is one of the largest and most intact Archipelagos in Australia and includes Australia's third largest island, Groote Eylandt. The Archipelago is widely recognised for its unique cultural and natural values, including important sites for green, flatback and hawksbill marine turtles.
While the establishment of an IPA does not have legal force or effect, it does represent a commitment by the Traditional Owners to manage their land and sea country for cultural and natural reasons. These will be included in the National Reserves System while designation also means greater scope for developing important partnerships.
Much needed Federal funding will enable the Anindilyakwa Land Council to build ranger capacity and resource management partnerships to protect cultural and visitor sites. They will be able to protect and value traditional and ecological knowledge plus protect their marine estate while maintaining the high biodiversity and pest-free status of their country.
"This a major achievement by the Traditional Owners and is a significant contribution to the National Reserves System - we are excited about the opportunity to continue work with the Anindilyakwa Land Council to protect the cultural and natural values of their country," WWF-Australia Marine Program Leader Dr Gilly Llewellyn said.
"Given the critical role that Indigenous people are playing and will continue to play in land and sea management, Governments can and must do more to increase the level of investment.
"The fee for environmental services Indigenous groups currently receive remain far below that received by other agencies for similar services - we must recognise the long term benefits of a healthy and well managed environment by properly investing in it," Dr Llewellyn said.
Find out more
Jacqueline McArthur, Media Communications Manager, WWF-Australia
Phone: 02 9281 5515
Mobile: 0408 626 780
Email: jmcarthur@wwf.org.au
