Indigenous Protected Areas
Our vision is to protect and enhance our culture and history, while encouraging and protecting the natural environment and conserving biodiversity.
Nari Nari Tribal Council
Indigenous Australians have managed their country for tens of thousands of years. An Indigenous Protected Area is an area of Indigenous-owned land or sea where traditional owners have entered into an agreement with the Australian Government to promote biodiversity and cultural resource conservation. Indigenous Protected Areas make a significant contribution to Australian biodiversity conservation - making over 23 per cent of Australia's National Reserve System.
Indigenous Protected Areas deliver more than environmental benefits. Managing Indigenous Protected Areas helps Indigenous communities to protect their significant cultural values for future generations and receive spin-off health, education, economic and social benefits.
About Indigenous Protected Areas
There are 33 declared Indigenous Protected Areas and over 40 consultation projects across Australia. The Australian Government's Caring for our Country initiative plans to increase Indigenous Protected Areas by at least 40 per cent over the next five years - an increase of at least eight million hectares.
What is an Indigenous Protected Area? | Case studies | Visiting Indigenous Protected Areas
Funding and assistance
Indigenous communities can receive funding and other assistance to develop and declare their own Indigenous Protected Area.