How does the strategy relate to Indigenous peoples?
The draft strategy specifically recognises the special relationship of Indigenous peoples with Australia’s natural environments, the cultural significance of that relationship and its ongoing importance to the conservation of Australia’s biodiversity. The process for the development of the draft strategy included workshops with Indigenous community members to ensure that Indigenous issues were covered appropriately. This resulted in the development of a specific Indigenous section (Priority for change 5: Involving Indigenous peoples) and the inclusion of Indigenous material throughout the strategy. The strategy promotes the importance of recognising and respecting traditional Indigenous knowledge and environmental management expertise and combining this with scientific management for better biodiversity outcomes.
