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Insights into the biodiversity and social benchmarking components of the Northern Australian fire management and carbon abatement programmes
Author(s) -
Fitzsimons James,
RussellSmith Jeremy,
James Glenn,
Vigilante Tom,
LipsettMoore Geoff,
Morrison Joe,
Looker Michael
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
ecological management and restoration
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.472
H-Index - 42
eISSN - 1442-8903
pISSN - 1442-7001
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-8903.2011.00624.x
Subject(s) - benchmarking , biodiversity , indigenous , environmental resource management , environmental planning , greenhouse gas , work (physics) , geography , baseline (sea) , environmental protection , business , environmental science , ecology , political science , engineering , mechanical engineering , marketing , law , biology
Summary Much of northern Australia’s tropical savannas are subject to annual intense and extensive late dry season wildfires, much of this occurring on Aboriginal land. Based on the successful West Arnhem Land Fire Abatement (WALFA) model, which has resulted in significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, fire abatement programmes are planned for other significant regions of northern Australia. This study offers an introduction to the ideas behind a proposed environmental and social benchmarking project that aims to evaluate the potential benefits of expanding the fire abatement program in northern Australia, under the leadership of NAILSMA and its partners. Gaining a better understanding of the biodiversity, social and cultural outcomes of these fire abatement activities is an important component of demonstrating multiple benefits of these programmes. We emphasize the role of both biodiversity and cultural mapping to establish benchmarks and baseline states, with the involvement of Indigenous communities being a key element to optimize social and biodiversity benefits. Consultation with Traditional Owners and ranger groups to establish an agreed set of targets, indicators and sampling protocols and methodologies are critical component of this process. Examples of preliminary work to date are provided.