Indigenous Desert Alliance | Desert Projects

Indigenous ranger work is all about looking after Country because Country looks after us.

Looking after Country is a holistic view of the management of land that includes:

caring for cultural place
ensuring that the stories are passed on between generations
applying thousands of years of practice to ensure that the biodiversity of the desert is protected

The IDA’s Desert Projects empowers desert rangers to look after country in this way. It coordinates collaborative, Indigenous-led conservation and land management programs aimed at protecting the biodiversity of the desert at a landscape scale.

To achieve this vision, Desert Projects delivers three core programs including right-way fire, significant species, and nature markets. All programs are working towards strengthening ranger teams through working in partnerships that meet their needs and priorities.

Globally significant landscape

The Australian desert is one of the most extensive, uncleared biomes on earth with high biodiversity and cultural values. Indigenous people have cared for desert country for 60,000 years and continue to manage desert country to this day through their work as rangers.

Desert country spans one third of the Australian continent, 2.7 million km2 and accounts for approximately 45% of Australia’s National Reserve System including 28 Indigenous Protected Areas.

Right Way Fire

Fire is a key tool for Traditional Owners and Indigenous rangers who manage Country. Burning Country in the right way protects the plants and animals and keeps Country healthy.

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Significant Species

Desert communities have strong connections to, and comprehensive knowledge of, culturally significant threatened species. These species are indicators of healthy Country, and looking after them is a priority for Indigenous ranger teams.

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