TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE MEETS CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGY
Traditional Indigenous Knowledge and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land and sea management practice is combining forces with cutting edge conservation technology to Regenerate Australia.
We need the knowledge of First Peoples and Western Science to come together. We need to be full of imagination. We need to be full of creativity.
WWF-Australia is investing in a number of world-first projects bringing top Australian environmental science universities and researchers together with Indigenous-led organisations.
Generations of Indigenous knowledge and traditional Aboriginal land management practices are combining forces with the latest conservation technology all over Australia to make real change on Country.
Collaboration in Action
From spotting sacred, threatened wallaby species from the sky using new drone survey technology, to digitally tracking culturally significant marine life, centuries of expertise and the latest environmental science research are uniting to achieve new forms of innovation and impact.
Tracking the hawksbill
Eleven gungu (hawksbill turtles) fitted with satellite trackers, funded by WWF-Australia, were raised in care then released by Traditional Owners, Gudjuda and Girringun Rangers, and James Cook University research staff on John Brewer Reef. The aim of this project is to improve our understanding of this critically endangered, culturally significant species.
Wiliji drone surveys
Researchers are working with Indigenous rangers to use high-tech thermal drones to survey the endangered black-footed rock-wallabies in Western Australia through a partnership between Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation , Charles Darwin University, and WWF-Australia. This work forms part of WWF's Kimberley Innovation & Equity program which is funded by Lotterywest.
Thermal Imaging
The thermal camera installed on the drones allows Indigenous rangers and Charles Darwin University researchers to detect the heat signature of the wallaby and can cover a large area in a short period of time.
Firesticks Virtual Conference 2020
In December 2020, the Firesticks Alliance held their first virtual conference with support from WWF-Australia. The virtual conference aimed to help cultural fire practitioner groups keep connections strong and hard work progressing during the COVID-19 pandemic. This unique event was also an important opportunity for communities to share their voice and feedback to Firesticks Alliance on the work they are doing now and in the future.
Are you an Indigenous-led organisation looking to innovate and make a difference on Country?
Vital Knowledge and Relationships
WWF-Australia is proud to support mob and leading conservation technology researchers working together to innovate, regenerate and make meaningful change on Country.
