The 2021 State of the Environment Report has been released, showing what many of us already know, that many ecosystems are in marked decline, and climate change and habitat loss from clearing are key drivers of this decline. The report also highlighted the need to lend greater support to Indigenous land and sea management and better recognize First Nations knowledge, practice and contribution to sustainable land and sea management.
Key findings included:
- In a rapidly changing climate, with unsustainable development and use of resources, the general outlook for our environment is deteriorating
- Immediate action with innovative management and collaboration can turn things around
- Indigenous knowledge and connections to Country are vital for sustainability and healing Australia
- Environmental decline affects the wellbeing of Australians.
Led by Dr Terri Janke, the 2021 State of the Environment Report was written by more Indigenous co-authors than ever before and received national media attention. Congratulations to everyone who was involved in informing and writing this report and to all members for your ongoing and inspiring work to manage country.
Once again, this report highlights once again the importance of this work. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples know that ‘if you take care of country, it will take care of you’. By continuing to work together, we can heal country and safeguard our future.
Watch the video ‘Our past is the key’ narrated by Julie Tyson, a proud Meerooni woman of the Gurang people, Ngugi Nunukal of Quandamooka nation and a descendant of the Kari people.
Read the report at https://soe.dcceew.gov.au/