Management Project - Kuku-Thaypan Fire Research Project

The Kuku-Thaypan Fire Research Project in Lakefield National Park involves fire management research based on traditional knowledge systems. It was developed to support Elders to undertake action research on their own terms. Since the Elders have not had the opportunity to undertake their  own burning for a long time, they are now being supported by western research while they reinstate their traditional regimes. The Elders are dealing with a highly modified environment due to contemporary land-use impacts including cattle and feral animal damage; weed invasion; altered vegetation compositions; and poor water management practices. Consequently, they have to adapt the application of their traditional knowledge system to ensure that they create the best outcome in terms of healing the country. This traditional knowledge is being record as they conduct their burning. The Elders are also evaluating the burns of other land managers in the surrounding area, such as those conducted by national park managers and pastoralists. The work is being supported by a PhD project – 'The Importance of Campfires to Effective Conservation'. Both Elders were awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by James Cook University in recognition for their knowledge. The project is due for completion in 2008. (Text source: TKRP Website )

People involved: Kuku-Thaypan Elders, CYPDA, Tropical Savanna CRC, JCU (TESAG/Native Title Studies Centre) United States Department of Commerce, NOAA, University of California, NAEA