First Nations people have passed knowledge down through our stories and ancestors for over a millennia. Our voices are integral to a nature positive future, and we must be heard and listened to.
In October, I co-wrote a statement alongside First Nations advisers Vanessa Barnett and Cliff Cobbo from WWF, and in October presented it to the Environment Minister. Delivering this statement was one of the highlights of my time as First Nations Lead at ACF.
Presenting the statement to Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. Photo: Quentin Jones / WWF
This is a statement I’m incredibly proud of and one that was signed by more than 40 groups and individuals. It is a statement calling on the government and business representatives to engage Indigenous peoples on all ‘nature positive’ decision-making processes and outcomes.
Part of the statement reads:
“Nature Positive may sound like a new concept, but First Peoples have been nature-positive for millennia. We call it caring for Country. Whether it’s land, sea or sky, caring for Country has been part of our stories and songlines for generations. It’s driven by one simple principle: leaving Country better than you found it.”
First Nations voices need to be at the forefront of the Albanese government’s nature law reform, approvals process and environmental planning for the future. This has to be done through meaningful, respectful and transparent dialogue.
It was such a pleasure to see the faces of our Indigenous colleagues as they read through the statement and signed on to support our words. It was incredible to gather with our allies and other organisations including WWF, the Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation, and the Nature Positive Initiative. It is heartening and invigorating to see so many passionate individuals together fighting for change.
2024 Nature Positive Reception at Taronga Zoo. Photo: Quentin Jones / WWF
While the Global Nature Positive Summit is a start, it must progress beyond a talkfest. The Albanese government needs to take meaningful action to be nature positive. That means no more reckless approvals for coal and gas that destroys our lands and waterways.
The Albanese government has a responsibility to the people of this country to start protecting the land and sea from destructive industries and business by utilising and implementing traditional knowledge into its environmental laws. We are at a crisis point.
It’s about sustainability and longevity of all life on earth.
