A 60,000 year connection to Country is sustaining a remarkable environment and culture across West and Central Arnhem Land. 

West and Central Arnhem Land is the most significant region in the Northern Territory in terms of biodiversity, and contains more of the NT’s endemic species than anywhere else. It is home to a high number of threatened species, many of which have been detrimentally affected by wildfires and the incursion of feral animals and weeds prevailing. The Arnhem Plateau also supports a high proportion of the NT’s rainforest estate, and is renowned for its remarkable natural and cultural values.  

The Karrkad Kanjdji Trust is supporting Indigenous rangers to address some of Arnhem Land’s most pressing issues, including environmental conservation, ranger employment, and the intergenerational transfer of Indigenous knowledge. 

Fire management is an important aspect of protecting and restoring the landscapes of Northern Australia, with a strong connection to the people of Arnhem Land and their Country. Indigenous Australians have a vast store of knowledge in the use of fire as a tool for landscape management. Formal fire burning projects help to harness and capture some of this knowledge, strengthening cultural ties to country. These projects provide employment opportunities in regions where they are otherwise limited. 

With the PMF Foundation’s support, KKT is partnering with Arnhem Land Fire Abatement NT to expand fire management activities and carbon abatement activities in Arnhem Land.

This project will:

• Increase the amount of early season burning taking place in north-west Arnhem Land

• Increase employment opportunities for Indigenous Rangers

• Abate carbon emissions and subsequently create a sustainable revenue stream

• Improve the health of the ecology of Arnhem land, while protecting places of significance 

Once established, this project will reduce carbon emissions and provide a long term source of income for ranger groups through the sale of Australian Carbon Credit Units. This funding stream will fund ongoing carbon abatement activities, while covering land management costs. 

The PMF Foundation’s support is the catalyst for ongoing emission reduction over many years, as well as securing an ongoing income stream for Indigenous Rangers.