New carbon methods in development bring new opportunities to value emissions reductions by Indigenous land and sea management

ICIN is pleased to share that two carbon methods it supported have been selected for prioritisation under the Australian Government’s proponent-led method development process. This was announced last week by the Minister for Climate Change, the Hon Chris Bowen MP. These methods have been independently assessed by the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee and include: 

The Blue Carbon (Feral Ungulate Management) Method put forward by the University of Queensland and NAILSMA. ICIN and several of its members are proud to have been involved in this research, which for the first time values the climate benefit to the soil of removing feral ungulates from coastal and freshwater floodplains. Feral ungulates, in particular buffalo and pigs, have a detrimental impact on wetlands and floodplains, through pugging delicate soils with hard hooves, removing vegetation, mucking up water and creating swim channels. ICIN looks forward to continuing to support engagement by its members in the development of this research. See here for further information.

This new carbon method presents a significant opportunity for Indigenous land and sea managers, many of whom continue to grapple with the impacts of feral ungulates on their country and develop appropriate management responses.

ICIN is working together with Charles Darwin University and NAILSMA to support the development of Indigenous engagement guidelines for Blue Carbon projects and to support engagement by its members in this research. Most recently, ICIN has published a Discussion Paper to inform this work.

The Savanna Fire Management (Northern Arid Zone Method Extension) Carbon Method was successfully put forward by the Indigenous Desert Alliance. This method will now include, for the first time, research measuring the climate benefit of fire management particularly in the Northern Arid Zone of the NT and WA, taking in the Tanami Desert and the southern Kimberley. This will mean that Indigenous fire managers across that region will now potentially be eligible to seek to undertake a savanna fire management carbon project. The northern arid zone is sensitive to hot damaging fires that destroy habitat. Supporting savanna fire management of that region has long been supported by the Indigenous Desert Alliance and the Kimberley Land Council.

Congratulations to UQ, NAILSMA, IDA and all the other ICIN Members, people and organisations involved in this work.

Photo caption: ICIN Director and Yolgnu Traditional Owner Neville Gulay Gulay pointing out damage caused to the sensitive soil of wetlands by buffalo on his Country. 

Tiwi Savanna Fire Project transitions to an Independent Indigenous-owned enterprise  

Last week the Tiwi Resources celebrated an important milestone as it transitioned its Savanna Fire Project to an independent Tiwi-owned carbon enterprise.

Until now the project was supported through the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation’s (ILSC) Savanna Fire Management Program funded by Inpex, with support from the Northern Territory Government. Through this project, Tiwi Rangers work hard to prevent hot and damaging fires across approximately 8,000 square kilometres of Aboriginal freehold land on Melville and Bathurst Islands through early dry season burning, community education and suppression of late dry season fires. More than a hundred Traditional Owners, clan leaders and their families, alongside Tiwi Rangers, have been actively involved in annual fire planning and operations as a part of this project, additionally, 90 individuals have received accredited training to safely participate in fire management activities. 

Statement from Tiwi Resources Pty Ltd

This transition to independent management is a monumental step for the Tiwi people. It reflects our dedication to self-determination and our commitment to managing our land in a way that honours our culture and preserves our environment.

We are proud to lead this project, which not only helps us maintain our traditional practices but also supports our community economically.

This independence celebration was dedicated to Mr Willie Rioli, of the Munupi clan, in recognition of his significant involvement and in memory of his passing in 2022.

ICIN CEO Anna Boustead was privileged to attend this event at the invitation of Tiwi Resources. The celebration had special significance as Mr Rioli was also a founding Director of the ICIN and leading this savanna fire management project was part of his life's work. 

Special mention has to be made of the fantastic welcoming ceremony by Tiwi dancers and of the opportunity to share a piece of the incredible 32kg cake dedicated to the hard work of Tiwi Rangers, that was delivered on the wing of a light plane!

Photo caption: Top: Tiwi Islanders, Rangers, Tiwi Resources and project partners receiving their certificate of independence for their carbon project. Bottom: NAFI presentation and the cake. 

Get your tickets to the 2025 Savanna Fire Forum

ICIN is excited to announce registrations have opened for the seventh North Australia Savanna Fire Forum. Held on Larrakia Country, from 18 – 20th February 2025, this hugely popular event brings together fire managers, land managers, Indigenous leaders, carbon industry practitioners, scientists, and policy makers.

In 2025 the theme is: Delivering results for people and planet. Attendees who register before 13th December 2024 will receive a 10% discount. Buy your ticket today. 

2025 Savanna Fire Forum sponsors

ICIN is inviting applications from sponsorship partners for the Forum. 

As a valued sponsor, your organisation will be supporting continued growth and expansion in a sector that’s delivering results for people and planet.

ICIN is a small independent charitable organisation and relies entirely on the generosity of sponsors and the in-kind support of its members and partners to make this event possible each year. See below for more.

New Indigenous and biodiversity alliance established 

A newly established Indigenous Country and Biodiversity Alliance (ICBA) aims to ground biodiversity management in Indigenous practices and culture to ensure the best outcomes for Country, Indigenous peoples, and the world. ICBA is made up of the North Australian Indigenous Land & Sea Management Alliance, the Indigenous Desert Alliance, Kimberley Land Council, and the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation.

ICBA is unashamedly Indigenous focused in our work, being Indigenous controlled and owned, which defines not just the process but what outcomes we want and need to see. Our DNA runs through our methods." - Barry Hunter, NAILSMA CEO.

ICIN Director Suzanne Thompson presents to Carbon Market Institute Summit 

ICIN members and staff were pleased to attend the 2024 Australasian Emissions Reduction Summit in Naarm, on Wurundjeri Country on 29-30 October. 

Iningai woman Suzanne Thompson delivered the Opening Address on Day Two of the conference which was attended by 800 people. 

ICIN aims to support sustainable development for our people for the next 7+ generations. It is our responsibility to look after our Country, song lines, animals and trees. The incredible thing is that Indigenous carbon projects help us to achieve this for future generations. This work is integral to our lives and practice, Suzanne Thompson, ICIN Director, from her address.

Thank you to the Carbon Market Institute for supporting ICIN to have a booth and member showcase at the event, it was great to see so much interest in the Indigenous carbon industry. 

Photo captions: Top: Suzanne Thompson delivering the climate hotspot at the Summit. Above: Pastor Ray Minniecon, Suzanne Thompson, Clark Donovan, Calum Woods and Kara Ramsay at the ICIN booth.