The dedication of the Arafura Swamp Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory has been celebrated.
The Arafura Swamp in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, is now an Indigenous Protected Area (IPA). This means it will be cared for by the Yolŋu, Bininj and Rembarrnga Traditional Owners and Custodians.
IPAs are areas of land and sea Country managed by First Nations groups to conserve biodiversity and protect cultural heritage.
About the Arafura Swamp IPA:
It helps protect animals such as the:
The dedication event celebrated the work done by local communities to set up the IPA.
The Arafura Swamp Ranger Aboriginal Corporation will keep working with Traditional Owners, Custodians and its partners to look after the area. IPAs are partnerships between Traditional Owners, Custodians and the Australian Government, helping to protect Country and support nature. IPAs now make up more than half of Australia’s protected land.
The IPA program is jointly administered by our department and the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
The dedication of Arafura Swamp IPA supports Australia’s goal to protect 30 percent of land and 30 percent of marine areas by 2030.