Journal article
Indigenous-led designation and management of culturally significant species
Nature Ecology & Evolution, Vol.8, pp.1623-1631
08/2024
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Abstract
Indigenous peoples globally are actively seeking better recognition of plants and animals that are of cultural significance, which encompass both species and ecological communities. Acknowledgement and collaborative management of culturally significant entities in biodiversity conservation improves environmental outcomes as well as the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people. The global diversity and complexity of Indigenous knowledge, values and obligations make achieving a universal approach to designating culturally significant entities highly unlikely. Instead, empowering local Indigenous-led governance structures with methods to identify place-based culturally significant entities will yield culturally supported results. Here we used a structured decision-making framework with objectives and biocultural measures developed by Indigenous experts, with the aim of prioritizing place-based culturally significant entities for collaborative management approaches on Bundjalung Country in coastal eastern Australia. We found some congruence and some important differences between culturally significant entities priorities and management compared with the colonial focus of threatened species management underpinned by current laws and policies. We provide reproduceable methods and a demonstration of successful local culturally significant entities designation and prioritization in an Australian context that highlights opportunities for Indigenous leadership, supported by governments in the designation and management of culturally significant entities.
Details
- Title
- Indigenous-led designation and management of culturally significant species
- Creators
- Teagan Goolmeer - University of MelbourneOliver Costello - Jagun Alliance Aboriginal CorporationAnja Skroblin - University of MelbourneLibby Rumpff - University of MelbourneBrendan A. Wintle - University of MelbourneKylie Day - Bundjalung Country (Australia, New South Wales)Melissa Bolt - Bundjalung Country (Australia, New South Wales)Keith Close - Bundjalung Country (Australia, New South Wales)Rory Close - Bundjalung Country (Australia, New South Wales)Marcus Ferguson - Bundjalung Country (Australia, New South Wales)Shane Ivey - Bundjalung Country (Australia, New South Wales)Michael Kennedy - Bundjalung Country (Australia, New South Wales)Tracey King - Bundjalung Country (Australia, New South Wales)Ashley Moran - Bundjalung Country (Australia, New South Wales)Greg Telford - Bundjalung Country (Australia, New South Wales)Jesse Telford - Bundjalung Country (Australia, New South Wales)Silas Telford - Bundjalung Country (Australia, New South Wales)Kelly Wilson - Bundjalung Country (Australia, New South Wales)Mindy Woods - Bundjalung Country (Australia, New South Wales)
- Publication Details
- Nature Ecology & Evolution, Vol.8, pp.1623-1631
- Publisher
- Springer Nature; BERLIN
- Grant note
- Agilent PhD Scholarship in Science and Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship
We would like to extend our gratitude and deep respects to Bundjalung Elders both past and present and the Bundjalung knowledge holders who participated in this study. This research is supported by Agilent PhD Scholarship in Science and Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship.
- Identifiers
- 991013391451702368
- Copyright
- © 2024.
- Academic Unit
- Centre for Children and Young People; Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article