Indigenous-Led Marine Reserve Strengthens Coastal Conservation

Australia has established its first Indigenous Protected Area dedicated to Sea Country, supporting Indigenous stewardship while safeguarding nearly 237,500 hectares of marine and coastal ecosystems.

“In order to have a healthy Country, you need healthy people. Healthy people need a healthy Country,” said Jesse Ala’i, former Land and Sea Country Manager for the Karajarri Traditional Lands Association.

The new Karajarri Jurarr Ngurra Indigenous Protected Area in northwestern Australia covers 237,489 hectares of coastline, wetlands and ocean habitat, including part of the ecologically significant Eighty Mile Beach. Managed by the Karajarri people and supported by Indigenous ranger programmes, the reserve combines traditional ecological knowledge with conservation science to protect biodiversity and cultural heritage. Indigenous Protected Areas now contribute 54 per cent of Australia’s progress towards its goal of protecting 30 per cent of land and sea by 2030, while research shows every A$1 invested can generate up to A$3.40 in social, economic, cultural and environmental benefits.