Joint media release: Dedication ceremony for South East Arnhem Land Sea Country Indigenous Protected Area
MP, Member for Lingiari The dedication of the Sea Country expansion of the South East Arnhem Land (SEAL) Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) has been celebrated with a ceremony in Numbulwar. The newly dedicated component of the IPA covers 861,533 hectares of sea Country and 58 hectares of land which is home to threatened species like the green, hawksbill and flatback turtle, as well as the critically endangered large-tooth sawfish.
The South East Arnhem Land IPA, which was first dedicated in 2015, is now the largest IPA in Arnhem Land covering more than 2.6 million hectares of both land and sea Country. Sea Country management activities will focus on removing marine debris, monitoring vulnerable and customary marine species, increasing sea Country patrols, promoting sustainable fishing and hunting practices and partnering with research organisations to integrate First Nations sea Country knowledge with Western science approaches.
The SEAL IPA is managed by the Northern Land Council, the Numbulwar Numburindi Rangers and the Yugul Mangi Land and Sea Rangers. Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt: “Congratulations to the South East Arnhem Land Traditional Owners and community for the dedication of this Sea Country Indigenous Protected Area. “The marine environment in this part of the Top End is extraordinary.
It provides habitat to threatened turtles and 12 migratory bird species, as well as endangered sword fish species. “This IPA strengthens connection to Sea Country and creates employment and training opportunities, and I’m pleased this area will now be protected and managed sustainably by the Traditional Owners. “The Albanese Government has now protected 25 per cent of Australia's land mass, an important milestone towards achieving our ambitious commitment to protect and conserve 30 per cent of Australia’s land by 2030.” Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy: “I congratulate Traditional Owners, the Northern Land Council, Indigenous Rangers and the Numbulwar and Ngukurr communities for their hard work to secure this Sea Country expansion of the South East Arnhem Land IPA.
“This expansion, which includes around 300 kilometres of coastline, recognises the importance of Sea Country when it comes to environmental management. “The Albanese Government is proud to back Traditional Owners and First Nations communities to manage land and sea Country through our IPA and Indigenous Rangers Programs, which includes the Numbulwar Numburindi Rangers and the Yugul Mangi Land and Sea Rangers.
“IPAs not only ensure healthy Country and positive environmental outcomes, they also deliver important employment and economic development opportunities for our remote communities.” Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Marion Scrymgour: “This dedication is a significant achievement for the Traditional Owners and communities of Southeast Arnhem Land, who have worked hard to protect and care for their Sea Country.
“This Indigenous Protected Area recognises the deep connection Traditional Owners have with this Country and their ongoing commitment to protecting sites of high cultural and ecological value for generations to come. “Importantly, this newly dedicated sea Country component of the IPA will create local employment opportunities for Indigenous rangers in the sustainable management of this incredibly important marine environment in South East Arnhem Land.” We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.