Threats to our Country and culture

We have to confront and deal with many of the same environmental problems that threaten the ecological well-being of all Australians.  These threats like the buffalo damage to our wetlands have flow on damage to our culture and practices. As the 2021 State of the Environment Report warns us, we are concerned about biodiversity loss, the spread of invasive species, plant and animal extinction, pollution, and the impacts of climate change. We are worrying about the changes in the seasonal patterns we are witnessing.

The illegal access of non-Indigenous people on our Country is a continuing concern of ours. This trespass disrespects our ownership and culture.  We seek to increase our presence on Country, our compliance capabilities and better communicate our ownership and the terms of entry.

We are certain our management plans, centred on our deep cultural knowledge and practices, employing, where needed the best of mainstream knowledge and practice will benefit all Australians. For us the key threats are:

• Illegal access
• The spread of weeds
• Feral animals, particularly buffalo, pigs, cats, exotic ants and cane toads
• Salt water intrusion
• Biosecurity risks
• Marine debris
• Climate change

All these threats are increasing. This is where we continue to draw on mainstream knowledge and strategies as well as research partnerships to inform our work as Djäkami Wäŋawu.