WWF-AUSTRALIA’S POSITION ON THE VICTORIAN TREATY: ADVANCING INCLUSIVE CONSERVATION AND RECONCILIATION

WWF-Australia proudly supports the Treaty process in Victoria. This is a historic and transformative step towards truth, justice, and self-determination for First Peoples.

By supporting the Treaty process in Victoria, WWF-Australia’s mission to create a future where people and nature thrive together moves forward in meaningful ways. The step is deeply connected to our Inclusive Conservation approach, which places equity, respect, and partnership at the heart of environmental action.

Inclusive Conservation recognises that healthy Country and thriving communities are linked. They can only succeed when both are prioritised. For more than 60,000 years, First Peoples have cared for Country, sustaining biodiversity and cultural heritage. The Treaty honours this enduring connection and provides a framework for shared decision-making that upholds Indigenous rights and Knowledge. By supporting the Treaty, WWF-Australia affirms that conservation must be inclusive, respectful, and community-led.

Demonstrating Our Commitment

• Publicly endorsing the Victorian Treaty via WWF-Australia's digital media channels.
• Engaging directly with the First Peoples’ Assembly to ensure our support aligns with community priorities.
• Embedding Inclusive Conservation principles across all projects, ensuring Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
• Partnering with First Nations organisations to co-design conservation initiatives that respect cultural knowledge.
• Advocating for policies that uphold Indigenous rights and strengthen community-led environmental governance.
• Providing platforms to amplify First Peoples’ voices in national and global forums, including climate and biodiversity dialogues.
• Investing in programs that build capacity for Indigenous rangers and Caring for Country initiatives.

WWF-Australia recently met with the First Peoples’ Assembly in Naarm to gain greater insight into the Treaty process and its critical role in better caring for Country in Victoria. This dialogue strengthened our understanding and support of this momentous, ongoing movement forward. We recognise that reconciliation and ecological regeneration go hand in hand, and we stand alongside First Peoples in shaping a fairer, stronger future for nature and community in Victoria.

Together, we can Regenerate Nature and build a future grounded in respect for Country and culture.