The reserves will cover most of Arnhem Land.
Australia has unveiled its newest nature reserve today in the Northern Territory, that will be partially managed and maintained by Aborigines.
The reserve is split into two areas, Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area and Djelk Indigenous Protected Area and between them they cover more than two million hectares – that’s twice the size of America’s Yellowstone Park!
The Warddeken Park boasts 50,000 year old rock art sites and stunning wilderness that is on a par with nearby Kakadu National Park. Both sites benefit from clear flowing rives, tropical savannah, coastal wetlands and sandstone gorges and the move to protect the sites as conservation reserves will be of enormous benefit to their natural and cultural values.
The parks will be controlled by traditional landowners and maintained by local Aborigines using traditional conservation methods such as burning, that help prevent devastating wildfires. Hunting will also be allowed to help control animal numbers and to preserve the unique fauna and native plantlife of the region. The plan hopes boost employment and training of local Aborigines.
Barry Traill, Director of the Wild Australia Program said: “All Australians owe a great debt of gratitude to the people of Western and Central Arnhem Land for caring for this jewel of Australia’s heritage.�
The final agreements for the conservation reserves will be signed onsite today.
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