Banksia Indigenous Caring For Country Award – Launching Call for Entries in NAIDOC Week

Since 2007 the Banksia Awards have celebrated the contribution of Indigenous communities to Australia’s environment and sustainable future through the Indigenous Caring for Country Award and entries are now open for the 2012 award.

Supported by the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program, the award recognises those delivering excellence in stewardship of the land, waterways, wildlife habitats, native flora and fauna through demonstrated Indigenous leadership, community involvement and benefit.

Launching this year’s award during NAIDOC week, the Banksia Foundation invites all Indigenous groups leading the way in taking care of our precious environment to enter.

“This year’s winner will follow in the great tradition of the important Indigenous initiatives that have been recognised over the last five years,” says Graz van Egmond Executive Director.

In 2011, the award was won by West Arnhem Land Fire Abatement Partnership from the Northern Territory. Comprising five Indigenous land management groups that began working together in 1997 to develop and test a plan to address the environmentally damaging effects of late dry season wildfire on the West Arnhem Plateau. By 2006 the project attracted industry funding for its greenhouse gas abatement work. From 2006 to 2010 the Indigenous partners on-ground management abated 706,956 tonnes CO2e — a 140% success against the target of 100,000 tonnes CO2e pa.

This project provides an exciting example of inherent collaboration between traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific practice – a key reconnection to country and culture.

This national award provides an essential vehicle for indigenous communities to showcase their invaluable contribution through the various initiatives undertaken around the country.

Submissions for the 2012 Indigenous Caring for Country Award close 24 August 2012 at 5.00 p.m. (AEST)

Learn more about the awards at www.banksiafdn.com.