Dedication ceremony for Mimal protected area
A celebration near Bulman has marked the dedication of the Mimal Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) in south-central Arnhem Land.
The new IPA covers more than 1.6 million hectares of land and is home to nine threatened species such as the northern quoll, black footed tree-rat and the Gouldian finch.
It includes many sites of cultural significance including rock art, dreaming lines and sacred places linked to spiritual ancestors.
The Mimal IPA overlaps with the Warddeken, Djelk, South East Arnhem Land and Arafura Swamp IPAs and borders the Wongalara Sanctuary, creating one of the Northern Territory’s largest Indigenous-owned conservation corridors.
The Mimal Land Management Aboriginal Corporation will be responsible for the management of the IPA.
IPAs deliver positive cultural, social and economic outcomes for Traditional Owners and First Nations communities.
Indigenous Protected Areas contribute to Australia’s commitment to protect 30 per cent of land by 2030.
Almost 25 per cent of Australia’s land mass is currently protected.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt congratulated the Traditional Owners and community for the dedication of the IPA adding to the Indigenous Protected Areas estate and Australia’s National Reserve System.
“The Mimal IPA in the Arnhem region will create employment opportunities and deliver lasting social and economic benefits for communities,” he said.
“The Albanese Government is committed to protecting and conserving 30 per cent of our land by 2030. We’re well underway to reaching that target and IPAs are providing more than half of that contribution.
“This will continue to grow thanks to our commitment to create new and expanded Indigenous Protected Areas via the $250 million Australian Bushland program.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy said the new IPA was cared for by the Mimal Rangers and the newly established Mimal Women’s Rangers, which were created under our expanded Indigenous Rangers Program.
“The Albanese Government is proud to back Traditional Owners and First Nations communities to manage land and sea Country through our Indigenous Protected Areas and Indigenous Rangers Programs, delivering positive outcomes for the environment as well as employment and economic development opportunities,” she said.
Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour said Traditional Owners had managed their country since time immemorial, and this IPA showcased traditional practices and knowledge can complement modern land conservation techniques.
“This dedication is a huge win for the local community as it will deliver long term economic benefits while also protecting culture and country for the generations to come,” she said.
