Reimagining Conservation in 2024

The Reimagining Conservation Forum 2024 took place on Djabugay Country in August, hosted by the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) and the Australian Committee for the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The forum has had a profound and lasting impact.

We began with a First Nations Day, setting a powerful tone for the week. Our discussions quickly expanded the view of conservation to include the significance of Indigenous-led projects, the role of language, the need for strong governance, and our deep connections and responsibilities in caring for Country.

In the days that followed, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and non-Indigenous allies came together to delve into what ‘Reimagining Conservation’ means from an Indigenous perspective and how these perspectives can be turned into actions.

The forum highlighted the necessity of protecting Country, embracing truth-telling, and fostering healing to achieve meaningful progress. We need synergy and connection to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led mechanisms, with non-Indigenous allies committed to backing these initiatives.

A highlight of the forum was the chance to spend a day on Country, offering a unique opportunity for connection and reflection. The reef tour allowed us to share stories, gain valuable insights, and see how Traditional Knowledge and Western science are restoring and sharing stories from this part of the world.

Attending this forum reinforced the understanding that conservation in Australia must centre First Nations voices, knowledge, and leadership. These insights have the potential to drive real change and action in conservation.

Lauren Arabena is a descendant of the Meriam people from Murray Island in the Torres Strait. Currently living and raising her family on Bunurong Country on the Mornington Peninsula.