Historic Gathering: Indigenous Rangers Unite in Record Numbers to Safeguard Kimberley Coastline

Share this @internewscast.com

As Brazil hosts COP30 climate change talks, over 60 Traditional Owners and rangers have gathered in Broome to protect and preserve Kimberley sea Country.

The picturesque Yawuru Country recently served as the backdrop for the Indigenous Saltwater Advisory Group (ISWAG) Annual Forum, a significant event orchestrated by the Kimberley Land Council and Nyamba Buru Yawuru. This forum welcomed representatives from various Indigenous communities, including Balanggarra, Bardi Jawi, Dambimangari, Karajarri, Jabirr Jabirr/Ngumbarl, Mayala, Nimanburr, Nyangumarta, Nyul Nyul, Wunambal Gaambera, and Yawuru, who convened to share their invaluable knowledge and insights with governmental and research allies.

With 60 participants from 11 member groups, it’s the largest forum in the ISWAG’s decade-long history.

Gathering in Broome, over 60 Traditional Owners and rangers came together under the ISWAG Annual Forum’s banner. Their mission was clear: to address the pressing issues confronting the Kimberley coastline. From the persistent menace of illegal fishing to the rising concerns of over-tourism and climate change, these communities are on the frontline, devising strategies to tackle these threats head-on.

The forum proved to be a crucial platform for dialogue, allowing these communities to engage in discussions about collaborative regional projects. It emphasized the power of a collective voice—a united stand by the Kimberley Traditional Owners to assert their authority over sea Country. This unity is crucial in addressing the pressures of climate, industry, and tourism that weigh heavily on their lands and waters.

A significant highlight of the forum was the advocacy by Traditional Owners for sustained investment in the conservation of dugong and green turtle populations. Their concerns were met with action as the forum concluded with a commitment to implement a Kimberley-wide dugong monitoring program. This initiative represents a promising step forward in preserving the region’s marine biodiversity.

Key concerns raised in the forum included the impact of a recent heatwave on coral reefs and seagrass, illegal fishing and unauthorised boat arrivals, management of increasing tourism and offshore oil and gas pressure, and the need for stronger Indigenous representation in fisheries policy and management.

Traditional Owners also advocated for continued investment in conservation efforts for dugong and green turtle populations. This calls was heard with the forum concluded with the committment to a Kimberley-wide dugong monitoring program.

Rangers from across the Kimberley gathered in Broome to learn and share about protecting and conserving sea Country. Source: Supplied / Kimberley Land Council

The forum also saw strengthened ISWAG governance and facilitated new and continued collaboration that seeks to prioritise Indigenous knowledge and voices in marine management across the Kimberley.

“Indigenous rangers are on the frontline, protecting the Kimberley coast every day – from monitoring coral reefs, fish and dugong populations to responding to climate impacts,” said Kimberley Land Council’s Land and Sea Unit Manager and ISWAG Co-Chair, Daniel Oades.

“We’ve shown that when Traditional Owners lead the way, we can influence national policy and shape how land and sea are managed right across the country. This forum is about working together as one region, sharing knowledge and making sure Indigenous voices guide how the coast is managed.

We’re not just responding to change; we’re leading it, ensuring our sea Country is healthy for generations to come

ISWAG has platformed and prioritised the cultural knowledge and grassroots expertise of Traditional Owners in marine research, policy and management for over a decade. With it’s reach along the Kimberley coastline, the group facilitates year-round collaboration between communities, researchers and government agencies.