ICIN Welcomes Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board as Associate Member

The Network is proud to welcome the Alinytjara Wilurara (AW) Landscape Board to our growing network of Indigenous land and sea management organisations working in the carbon industry.

About the Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board

The Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board manages one of Australia's most extensive regions, covering the northwest third of South Australia across more than 250,000 km². In Pitjantjatjara, 'alinytjara' means 'north' and 'wilurara' means 'west', reflecting both the geographic location and deep cultural significance of this large area.

This region is unique because there is no privately owned land within its boundaries. The large area has been divided into nine sub-landscapes, each with distinct characteristics. This approach allows for more focused planning and environmental management.

The Nine Sub-Landscapes

The diverse landscapes within the AW region include:

• Bunda Cliffs (including Merdayerrah Sandpatch)
• Yalata Coast
• Nullarbor Plain
• Yalata Lands (including Colona and Pintumba)
• Yellabinna and Yumbarra
• Great Victoria Desert
• Southern APY
• APY Ranges
• Eastern APY and Tallaringa

The Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board is Australia's only all-Aboriginal landscape board. This model demonstrates Indigenous leadership in environmental management. The board works closely with landholding authorities, communities, and Anangu ranger groups on important environmental projects that protect threatened species, promote sustainable practices, and manage invasive species.

Map of the Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board region. 

Key Conservation Projects

The AW Landscape Board leads several important environmental protection initiatives. 

Yalata Predator Control

This project uses advanced satellite-connected traps to control foxes and cats near critical habitat areas. The traps are placed to protect threatened species like hooded plovers along the coast and malleefowl inland. The AWLB works with the Yalata community and Yalata Rangers to identify the best locations for these traps and manage ongoing monitoring. This collaboration combines cutting-edge technology with community knowledge to create safer environments for at-risk wildlife.

Image of AW staff setting up a trap line for a fauna survey.

Buffel Grass Management

Buffel grass is an introduced weed that has become one of the most serious threats to desert communities and their Country. Known in Pitjantjatjara as mamu tjanpi or tjanpi kura – devil grass or bad grass – this fast-growing plant outcompetes native vegetation and creates single-species areas that damage natural ecosystems. It also significantly increases fire risks to communities and infrastructure. The AWLB leads a multi-agency response to buffel grass across South Australia, working with government agencies, Anangu communities, and ranger groups.

Malleefowl (Nganamara) Protection

The AW team plays a key role in the National Malleefowl Adaptive Management Predator Experiment, which focuses on protecting endangered malleefowl from foxes and cats. The team uses aerial LiDAR technology to map potential malleefowl nest sites, then conducts field work to confirm these locations. Known breeding areas are monitored with automated camera systems, and some areas use automated 'Felixer' devices to target feral predators. This combination of technology and hands-on monitoring helps develop more effective protection methods for this unique species.

Image of AW ecologist talking to school students about malleefowl.

Sandhill Dunnart Conservation

The sandhill dunnart is one of Australia's largest and rarest dunnarts. Listed as "vulnerable" under national environmental law, this small marsupial faces threats from cats, foxes, land clearing, and bushfires. The AWLB's multi-year program of trapping and habitat monitoring has expanded the known range of this species and improved understanding of its habitat needs. This research brings hope for the future survival of this rare marsupial predator.

Climate Smart Agriculture

Sustainability and climate resilience are essential for pastoral enterprises in the AW region, where most agricultural land occurs in the Great Victoria Desert. The pastoral areas include the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, with more than 14,600 km² currently used for cattle farming, and Yalata, where investigations are beginning into reviving sheep farming. This work focuses on creating a sustainable future where both land and people can thrive alongside the environment.

Image of AW ecologist at at Wamitjara APY Lands

Joining the Carbon Industry

As an Associate member of ICIN, the Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board aims to strengthen their role as a provider of reliable information about carbon markets and support landholding authorities in achieving positive environmental outcomes. Associate members are Indigenous organisations who have an interest in carbon farming and the development of the Indigenous carbon industry, even though they may not own carbon projects directly.

The addition of AW Landscapes to ICIN's network represents an important step in Indigenous leadership within environmental management and the carbon industry. Their unique position as Australia's only all-Aboriginal landscape board, combined with their extensive conservation work and commitment to sustainable land management, makes them a valuable addition to our community.

If your organisation is interested in becoming a Full or Associate member of ICIN, send an email to [email protected]