Indigenous Protected Areas in Australia –A Role to Play in the UN's Decade for Sustainable Development–

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Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) are lands provided to and managed by Indigenous groups to promote biodiversity and cultural resource conservation in Australia. In November 1999 Victoria's first IPA was declared. Deen Maar occupies 453 ha in the State's south-west and was previously seriously degraded pastoral land that had been over-grazed and had many weeds and pests. However, Deen Maar also has extensive wetlands and saltmarshes that are of international conservation significance. The land also has deep cultural significance for local Indigenous peoples. Deen Maar is undergoing extensive revegetation. A biodiversity audit of the property has been conducted; this showed the property's importance for conservation of many threatened species. Bird hides have been built and accommodation for visitors established. IPAs must generate income; accordingly 12 wind turbines have been erected. As well, cropping occurs and cattle are grazed on improved pasture that has been fenced. The Indigenous owners of the land are keen for Deen Maar to be an educational resource and will be encouraging student visits and research projects. It thus represents a resource for environmental education within a culturally significant context. The United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development aims to “encourage changes in behaviour that will create a more sustainable future in terms of environmental integrity, economic viability, and a just society for present and future generations.” Deen Maar' goals are certainly in line with these sentiments.