The Conversation “Indigenous expertise is reducing bushfires in northern Australia. It's time to consider similar approaches for other disasters”

In this February 25 2021 article in ‘The Conversation’, authors from ISFMI partner organisation the Darwin Centre for Bushfires Research describe the success of Indigenous led fire management in the north of Australia and put the case for similar approaches to the prevention and management of other natural disasters.

“This system shows what’s possible with the right engagement and policy levers. Perhaps one day a similar approach could help reduce risk from other kinds of natural disasters, all while building community resilience.

In the future, could we have similar systems where flood mitigation projects or cyclone risk reduction projects are made economically viable for local communities?

This would reduce reliance on emergency services. It also makes it less likely cultural protocols are breached when non-local emergency personnel are sent in. For example, tree removal is a common cyclone risk reduction practice but it’s important to know which trees are culturally significant in a community, and why you need to leave them alone.

For these approaches to work, genuine and ongoing engagement with Indigenous peoples and dispersed remote communities is essential.”

Access the full article here.