The conservation of biodiversity (including rare, threatened and endangered fauna and flora species), habitat protection and the maintenance of ecological processes are management issues that are of paramount importance to the integrity of our homelands. Kaanju homelands feature vast wetland areas, riparian forests, open savanna country, and sub-tropical and tropical rainforest environments that provide habitat for such species as the North-Eastern Tree Kangaroo, the Antillopine Wallaroo and the Magnificent Rifle Bird. The protection and maintenance of our Story Places and other important cultural sites ensures the conservation of the environment and the sustainability of complex ecosystems.
Our objectives in relation to conservation issues are:
- To conserve and protect biodiversity and fauna and flora on Kaanju homelands.
- To promote habitat protection and the maintenance of ecological processes on Kaanju homelands.
- To promote the wider recognition of primary Kaanju management and decision-making on homelands.
We are addressing conservation issues in a number of ways including:Conservation Management Plan and Zoning Plan for Kaanju homelands.
To establish a team of Kaanju Rangers and Land Management Officers with enforcement powers.
To develop and implement a strategic Visitor Management Plan.
To develop and implement strategic plans for the management of weeds and feral animals on Kaanju homelands.
To reestablish Kaanju fire management practices on Kaanju homelands.
To establish collaborative research arrangements with individuals, universities and other research bodies.
To develop a public education programme to inform people about conservation issues on Kaanju homelands.We are addressing conservation issues with two projects currently in progress. Our project Protection of Historical, Social, Cultural and Spiritually Significant Sites will establish signage to inform the public about access restrictions for the rehabilitation of degraded areas on our homelands. Another project Revegetation and Protection of Upper Wenlock River addresses land degradation and erosion of ecologically sensitive areas of the Wenlock River system. Our Weeds Project will investigate the most appropriate stategies for addressing weed management issues on our homelands.
