First Nations people have cared for Country for tens of thousands of years. Their knowledge, customs, and lore guide how they manage land and sea resources. This sustains both the environment and community wellbeing.
Much of Australia’s land with high carbon storage potential lies within the Indigenous Estate (DAFF). First Nations people are also leading many organisations that care for Country and manage emissions, such as:
Many First Nations landholders use emissions management to create economic opportunities and strengthen self-determination. It helps communities earn income from Country while keeping cultural values and decision making in their hands.
Cultural and economic benefits
Emissions management can offer many cultural benefits, including:
- sustaining productive Country through healthier soils, water, vegetation and habitat, which supports livelihoods and cultural uses
- strengthening Traditional Owners' and Custodians' stewardship of Country
- supporting the use of traditional languages and cultural expression
- keeping traditional fire knowledges alive
- enabling communities to make decisions based on cultural values
- passing on knowledge from Elders to younger generations
- supporting other cultural land management activities, such as protecting native flora and fauna through pest and weed management
- helping young people become strong leaders who care for Country and culture.
Projects that store carbon can also earn money through the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme (CER).
Some ACCU Scheme methods that may align with First Nations communities' practices include:
- savanna fire management
- planting native vegetation using seeds or tubestock
- tidal restoration of blue carbon ecosystems, such as restoring flows to coastal wetlands.
It’s important to understand the costs and risks involved before participating in the ACCU scheme. More information is available in the Indigenous Carbon Projects Guide from the Indigenous Carbon Industry Network and in the ACCU Scheme page.
A real example: fighting fire with fire
The Nyaliga Aboriginal Corporation in the eastern Kimberley region of Western Australia keeps the 60,000-year-old practice of cool season burning alive. This cuts the chance of severe wildfires. Avoiding these severe wildfires reduces the release of greenhouse gas emissions. It also protects food sources and supports the local ecosystem and First Nations culture.
The Nyaliga Aboriginal Corporation earns carbon credits through the savanna fire management in the ACCU scheme. They also teach future generations how to manage fire and care for their Country.
You can read more about this project on CER.
Additional resources
Learn more about opportunities and benefits for First Nations Communities in emissions management:
- Indigenous Carbon Industry Network: Indigenous Carbon Projects Guide.
- Indigenous Carbon Australia: Learn more about the benefits of emissions management.
- NSW Climate and Energy Action: Learn more about carbon for First Nations landholders.