Indigenous Protected Areas
Kimberley Aboriginal people have identified the creation of Indigenous Protected Areas as a high priority and one of the preferred models for land management in the region.
Indigenous Protected Areas or Aboriginal National Parks are dedicated areas of highly sensitive or important biodiversity hotspots that Indigenous people want to see protected.
Although an initiative of the Australian Government, Indigenous Protected Areas are primarily managed by Aboriginal people in partnership with other agencies and organisations.
Kimberley Aboriginal people are working to establish a corridor of Indigenous Protected Areas along the coastline and deep into the heart of the Kimberley creating an interconnected network across the region.
The cultural aspirations of Traditional Owners are fundamental to the success of this program as elders work with rangers to develop plans of management that match cultural obligations and responsibilities to country. Rangers use their expertise in conservation and land management practices to implement plans and monitor environmental success.
Declared IPAs in the Kimberley include:
Warlu Jilajaa Jimu
Uunguu
Paruku
