Kaurna signs national parks co-management agreement

In August, the South Australian Government announced a co-management agreement with Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC) for three Adelaide national parks.

A Kaurna Parks Advisory Committee comprising representatives from Kaurna and the Department for Environment and Water will provide management advice to the Minister and National Parks and Wildlife Service regarding these parks.

Co-management in South Australia is about bringing together traditional Aboriginal beliefs and contemporary Western perspectives on the importance of looking after land.

The concept recognises that Aboriginal and conservation challenges and initiatives cannot be addressed in isolation: that healthy country and healthy communities go hand-in-hand.

Chairperson of Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC) Les Wanganeen said it was important to have traditional knowledge included in the Conservation of Country.

“This is the first step in establishing a working relationship in protecting our environment for future generations between the State Government and KYAC,” Mr Wanganeen said.

“The development of the action plan is to recognise Kaurna’s knowledge and experience in the co-management of maintaining three national parks.”

“KYAC now looks forward to future employment opportunities for Aboriginal park rangers to maintain and preserve our Country.”