Fire on the horizon: contemporary Aboriginal burning issues in the Tanami Desert,central Australia |
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Authors: | Petronella Vaarzon-Morel Kasia Gabrys |
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Institution: | (1) Desert Knowledge CRC, P.O. Box 3561, Alice Springs, NT, 0871, Australia;(2) Department of Natural Resources, Environment, and the Arts, Desert Knowledge CRC, Alice Springs, NT, 0871, Australia |
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Abstract: | As part of a collaborative research project created to promote the coexistence of fire, people and biodiversity in central
Australia, a case study was conducted on Aboriginal perceptions of fire and its management in the southern Tanami Desert of
Central Australia. The Tanami was chosen due to consecutive wildfire events and reported fire conflicts between Aboriginal
and pastoral (cattle station) landholders on fire issues. This paper addresses fire issues from the perspective of Warlpiri
Aboriginal people in this region. It shows that many Warlpiri hold strong views concerning the use of fire and its management.
Elders, in particular, have retained tradition-based knowledge about fire and its effects on the environment. The complex
cultural protocols that structure decisions about who burns, when and where are discussed. It is shown that, although there
have been dramatic changes to their subsistence economy, Warlpiri still burn for cultural and economic reasons. At the same
time, social change has given rise to new fire-related issues, including lack of access to remote areas in order to undertake
burning and a decrease in fire knowledge among younger generations. The paper argues that Warlpiri perceptions of fire management,
needs and skills must be incorporated in a regional fire management strategy if the cycle of wildfire that follows above average
rainfall periods in the Tanami is to be broken. Proper resourcing of Aboriginal people to fire their land in customary ways
will enhance Aboriginal livelihoods as well as benefit other stakeholders in the region. |
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