CDU’s Public Lecture Series continues
In recent times the notion of paying land managers an incentive for protecting and maintaining remnant patches of vegetation on farms in south-eastern Australia has gained attention amongst policy makers, lobby groups and green groups.
This has resulted in recognition of the role of active management of landscapes whilst maintaining agricultural productivity.
But how does the management of landscapes that do not have the same level of agricultural development and in particular, those that are managed by Indigenous Australians who have strong customary obligations to the management of those lands, gain the respect deserved of them and their ancestors?
This is the thrust of Joe Morrison’s 22 May public lecture, Payment for natural and cultural resource management – a way forward for Indigenous land owners and managers.
‘This presentation will argue the case for Indigenous Australians in the north that have demonstrated their ability to manage vast landscapes with little to no recognition or resources,’ Mr Morrison said.
‘Only with the appropriate recognition will these land owners and managers be able to continue the practices that have shaped the important biodiversity and values that are being exploited by numerous sectors for economic outcomes.’
Mr Morrison further explained that his lecture would describe the important cultural factors that underpin the notion of ‘caring for country’ in a rapidly changing political environment and some of the challenges for both Indigenous land and sea managers, government and others seeking to support Indigenous people in this quest.
Joe Morrison is the third speaker in the May 2007 Charles Darwin University Public Lecture Series with his lecture, Payment for natural and cultural resource management – a way forward for Indigenous land owners and managers, at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory on May 22 at 6pm.