June 8, 2003

Cooperative Research Centres Association Media Release – CRCA 22

Indigenous Australians and scientists are teaming up in a series of remarkable partnerships that are pioneering new ways to look after Australia and its people.

FIRE has become a vital tool in restoring the Northern Australian landscape, building new hope for Indigenous youth and curbing the greenhouse effect.

In what is literally a trail-blazing experiment, young Aboriginal people are helping to bring under control the savage wildfires that regularly devastate up to two thirds of the west Arnhem plateau.

The approach is a unique combination of a technology as ancient as humanity itself—Aboriginal fire management—and space-age technology in the form of state-of-the-art satellite imaging and global positioning systems (GPS).

“This huge area is now largely depopulated, and massive wildfires pose a real threat to sensitive vegetation like rainforest and the biodiversity,” explains Professor Gordon Duff, director of the CRC for Tropical Savannas Management.

“Our research shows that by strategic burning around the edges of the plateau you can cut the burnt area from over 60 per cent to less than 25 per cent.’

Using young volunteers from local communities and careful planning with satellite imagery and GPS, the team is developing a pattern of low intensity burns that tames the wildfires and gives the landscape the mottled mosaic of vegetation that favours the survival of Australian native plants and animals.

“These are kids who might otherwise get themselves in trouble – but now they are learning all about their land and how to manage it.  They’re living in it, understanding it, caring for it and being paid for it – instead of just living in their communities.”

In another major benefit, the reintroduction of fire management also encourages vegetation that locks up more greenhouse gas.  Professor Duff says there is a real possibility major overseas companies may invest in the program to earn carbon credits – and at the same time benefit Australia’s landscape and Indigenous people.

More information: Professor Gordon Duff, CRC TSM, 08 8946 6834

Peter Jacklyn, CRC TSM, 08 8946 6285.