Balkanu means "to build" or "lift up" in Guugu Yimmithiir, one of Cape York's diverse Aboriginal languages. We are a not-for-profit organisation established in 1996 on behalf of the Aboriginal people of Cape York. Balkanu is an uniquely positioned Indigenous organisation due to its composition and experience, and has extensive business, project management, operational, governance, mentoring and engagement experience and skills, as well as a rich understanding of Indigenous issues, circumstances and culture.

The Thaa-Nguiuaar Savanna Burning Project, Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) Project ID: 109636, is an early dry season Savanna burning project aimed at reducing late dry season wildfires, and therefore reducing carbon emissions.  

Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation Pty Ltd is the project proponent in association with the land holder Poonko Aboriginal Corporation and the Prescribed Body Corporate Thaa-Nguigarr.   The project is carried out on Strathgordon Station  covering an area of 118,000 hectares.

The project was declared by the Clean Energy Regulator on 20 December 2016.  A fire management program was instigated in 2016 and continues to the present. This mitigates wildfire risk, conserves vegetation and animal species, protects wetlands and controls weeds. Burning takes place in the Early Dry Season each year, before the start date of the Late Dry Season of the 1st August. The operations are conducted by Traditional Owners and other staff as required.

The revenue from the sale of the carbon credits obtained enables Traditional Owners to support their landholding obligations and cultural and environmental aspirations for the property.