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The Indigenous Saltwater Advisory Group (ISWAG) Annual Forum recently unfolded on Yawuru Country, orchestrated by the Kimberley Land Council alongside Nyamba Buru Yawuru. This significant event brought together a diverse assembly of voices and perspectives from various Indigenous communities.
Representatives from the Balanggarra, Bardi Jawi, Dambimangari, Karajarri, Jabirr Jabirr/Ngumbarl, Mayala, Nimanburr, Nyangumarta, Nyul Nyul, Wunambal Gaambera, and Yawuru communities participated in the forum. These delegates shared their invaluable knowledge and insights with key partners from government bodies and research institutions.
In Broome, more than 60 Traditional Owners and rangers united for the ISWAG Annual Forum. This gathering served as a crucial platform for collaboration and sharing strategies to address pressing issues affecting the Kimberley coastline.
The forum focused on several critical challenges, such as illegal fishing activities, the pressures of over-tourism, and the impacts of climate change. Participants exchanged ideas on how each community is tackling these threats, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts and shared wisdom in preserving their coastal environment.
Traditional Owners also advocated for continued investment in conservation efforts for dugong and green turtle populations. This calls was heard with the forum concluded with the committment to a Kimberley-wide dugong monitoring program.
Rangers from across the Kimberley gathered in Broome to learn and share about protecting and conserving sea Country. Source: Supplied / Kimberley Land Council
The forum also saw strengthened ISWAG governance and facilitated new and continued collaboration that seeks to prioritise Indigenous knowledge and voices in marine management across the Kimberley.
“We’ve shown that when Traditional Owners lead the way, we can influence national policy and shape how land and sea are managed right across the country. This forum is about working together as one region, sharing knowledge and making sure Indigenous voices guide how the coast is managed.
We’re not just responding to change; we’re leading it, ensuring our sea Country is healthy for generations to come
ISWAG has platformed and prioritised the cultural knowledge and grassroots expertise of Traditional Owners in marine research, policy and management for over a decade. With it’s reach along the Kimberley coastline, the group facilitates year-round collaboration between communities, researchers and government agencies.
Nyul Nyul and Karajarri rangers regularly carry out sea grass monitoring on their Country in the Kimberley. Source: Supplied / Kimberley Land Council
