Reimagining Conservation through Indigenous Leadership

The first “Reimagining Conservation” forum was held in Australia in 2022, and the second in 2024. The forums reimagine conservation action from the perspectives of Indigenous peoples in Australia. These (now ongoing bi-annual) forums bring together equal numbers of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to talk about how to reimagine conservation as ‘working together for healthy Country’. ‘Country’ is an Indigenous term that includes all living things along with language, knowledge, cultural practice and responsibilities.

The forums reveal and address some fundamental differences in language and understanding between what conservation means for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Australia. The forums create a space to reimagine conservation in Australia, through on-going cross-cultural dialogue in a respectful and culturally safe environment.
 

Figure 1: Six key themes from the first "Reimagining Conservation" forum

Principles for six key themes for reimagining conservation emerged from the 2022 forum:

1. A rights-based approach - Biodiversity policies, governance and management must not violate rights of Indigenous people, and ensure the social, cultural and economic needs of Indigenous communities are met.
2. Valuing culture and recognising Indigenous cultural authority - It’s important to listen, respect, and ask Indigenous people before acting to ensure programs are in the best interests of communities and Country.
3. Weaving knowledge systems - It’s time for another scientific revolution whereby Indigenous knowledge becomes fully and wholly recognised as a science and appropriately woven together with ‘western’ conservation science.
4. Equity in managing Country - There needs to be equity in funding, skills, capacity and education. Non-Indigenous conservation partners need to be culturally competent to understand cultural protocols and build relationships based on trust.
5. Managing Country together - Progress in joint and sole management is limited by lack of capacity and funding, and resistance to letting Indigenous peoples take control of their Country.
6. Economic opportunities - Market mechanisms for new on-Country economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples must be based on respect for the rights and benefits of local Indigenous communities.

Interested in the full article? Check out the next issue of Policy Matters, coming October 2025.