Joint Management Forum

Nyangumarta Ranger Raewyn Wright practicing burning techniques out on Country (February 2022). Photo: Jacob Loughridge.

Working with strategic partners, including Pew Charitable Trusts, YMAC is currently developing content and making the necessary arrangements to host an online ‘Joint Management Forum’ in 2022.

It is anticipated this forum will be of interest to people who have experienced joint management firsthand as well as Traditional Owners who are starting to negotiate similar arrangements; with the idea being they can share what has been learned across the sector to identify what works, the challenges, strategies to minimise impacts, and best ways forward.

Joint management provides an opportunity for Aboriginal groups to negotiate strategies to work with government to care for their Country. These agreements can also support social, cultural, and economic goals for communities, including (but not limited to) fee-forservice work for rangers and other community members, the establishment of tourism businesses, and the protection and preservation of important cultural sites. However, more understanding about Aboriginal peoples’/ groups’ collective aspirations and concerns in regarding joint management possibilities, e.g., to inform best practice guidelines and advice to government, is needed.

By coordinating this forum, YMAC seeks to gain invaluable insights that will assist the groups we work with that are involved in other projects such as the Plan for Our Parks negotiations, Aboriginal ranger programs, and so on.

As details are confirmed for the Joint Management Forum, these will be shared on YMAC’s website: ymac.org.au; or you can contact YMAC’s Program Manager – Land & Sea Management, Dr José Kalpers (P: 0407 083 214; E: jkalpers@ymac.org.au) to find out more.