Indigenous Carbon Industry Network Co-Chair, Dr Dean Yibarbuk, has received an Honourary Doctorate of Letters from Charles Darwin University for his environmental leadership, specifically his lifelong dedication to land conservation and management in west Arnhem Land and beyond.

The ceremony was held on Dr Yibarbuk's Country in Maningrida, and attended by his family members, colleagues and representatives from Charles Darwin University. The ceremony was an interesting mix of stiff university rituals and robes worn in the hot sun together with Bininj families and culture, all set to a beautiful backdrop at Djinkarr. There was even orchestral music!

True to form, Dr Yibarbuk addressed the gathered crowd in Kunwinjku language and then translated into English his reflections on being proud of his collaborative achievements over a long journey, but pointed out that there was still much more to come.

My journey started over 30 years ago, walking alongside and sharing knowledge with some of Australia's first Aboriginal rangers. A lot of work, time and energy has been put into these ranger groups as well as research, and I can say I am proud of the journey we have all been on," said Dr Yibarbuk.

Receiving this [Honourary Doctorate] on Country offers an opportunity for my community to witness my footprints and to encourage more people to find ways for economic growth through traditional methods of land management and care. These [carbon] methods are important, and we need to keep showcasing that they are contributing to the biodiversity of the world," added Dr Yibarbuk. 

Dr Yibarbuk's family gave moving speeches about his contributions to Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and land management.

Lois Nadjamerrek reflected on the legacy passed on by her father to Dr Yibarbuk, and how proud she was that this work had translated into good outcomes for their community, country and had an enormous impact on the entire region. This includes the creation of Nawarddeken Academy, giving local Bininj children the opportunity to learn on their country, and in their own language, guided by their elders.

Fellow Directors from Warddeken Land Management Limited and Karrkad Kanjdji Trust, Terrah Guymala and Conrad Maralgnurra, spoke of Dr Yibarbuk's leadership as a mentor and inspiration to them and the community.

Co-Chair of Karrkad Kanjdji Trust (KKT), Justin Punch, highlighted Dr Yibarbuk's effortless ability to navigate Bininj/Balanda worlds with great patience to create lasting opportunities for Indigenous communities, particularly in the West Arnhem region, referencing the multiple Indigenous-led organisations Dr Yibarbuk has established over the past three decades, including the historic first Indigenous-owned carbon project the West Arnhem Land Fire Abatement project and then ALFA NT.

Charles Darwin University's Vice Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman AO along with Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Reuben Bolt eloquently reflected on the impact of Dr Yibarbuk's world-recognised research on the climate benefits of savanna fire management together with CDU researchers including Prof Jeremy Russell-Smith, North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance and others and the impact this has had in terms of initiating a carbon accounting method that informed Australian Government policies supporting a carbon market, and the opportunities this created for First Nations people right across the savanna region.

It was a very special occasion and I felt humbled to share this moment with his family. Over the years, Dr Yibarbuk has worked with many people throughout the network and beyond. He has enriched the lives of many, without expectation of recognition. Congratulations Dr Yibarbuk," said CEO of the ICIN Anna Boustead (pictured below with Dean) who attended the ceremony.