On the 28th of May, ICIN facilitated a workshop for the Savanna Fire and Biodiversity Project, in partnership with the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA), Charles Darwin University (CDU) and funded by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).  

The workshop gathered foundational information to inform the potential development of a new nature repair method to protect and manage biodiversity across Northern Australia savannas using fire management. Participants explored practical examples of ecological thresholds, habitat types, and considerations for savanna fire management.

With Dr. Dean Yibarbuk, Senior Cultural Advisor, providing critical cultural guidance and shared deep knowledge of cultural fire practices and land management.  The workshop also brought together representatives from Tiwi Land Council, Parks Australia (Kakadu), the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, Warddeken Land Management, Mimal Land Management, Northern Land Council, and Namultja Aboriginal Corporation.

The project is engaging with Indigenous groups across northern Australia, to ensure a future method could be applied at a local level and appropriately reflects cultural knowledge and values. Shared knowledge will inform the technical elements of the project and guide what is explored, analysed and tested.

Going forward ICIN will compile a workshop report for participant input and review, ensuring information collected is accurate and culturally safe to share.  While NAILSMA works to deliver further workshops across the north. This includes a Cultural Values Workshop to take place in Katherine later in the year.  Further information will be shared with members as details are confirmed.