02 Feb 2009
Indigenous Sea Rangers from north Australia have released a DVD
that highlights their award winning work in managing and conserving
dugong and marine turtle.
The DVD was compiled by the North Australian Indigenous Land and
Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) as part of an awareness campaign
delivered by the Alliance’s Dugong and Marine Turtle
Project.
Environment Minister Peter Garrett has described the Indigenous
Rangers involved in the Project as “…the
‘front-line’ managers of the north Australian coast
where dugong and turtle remain abundant.”
Australia is one of the last great strongholds in the world for
dugong and marine turtle and Indigenous rangers involved in the
NAILMSA Dugong and Marine Turtle Project are working in partnership
with communities, researchers, government agencies and industry to
ensure the long term survival of these culturally and biologically
important species.
“This project is a prime example of communities and
governments working in partnership to protect these internationally
significant animals, so that future generations can enjoy them as
well,” Minister Garrett said.
NAILSMA is an alliance between Kimberley Land Council, Northern
Land Council, Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and
Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation.
NAILSMA CEO Mr Joe Morrison launched the DVD titled
“Message Disk” to the public today.
“Indigenous Rangers provide key services that are
essential for the management and protection of Australia’s
globally significant ecosystems in the north.”
“Message Disk DVD highlights the work of Indigenous
Rangers and offers a fly-on-the-wall opportunity for people to
witness first-hand the importance to Australia of the Indigenous
Ranger movement taking place across the north today,” he
said.
The DVD contains short stories that have been filmed,
photographed, scripted and directed by Indigenous ranger groups
from the Kimberley, Top End, Gulf of Carpentaria, Cape York and
Torres Strait.
1000 DVDs have been distributed with 55% delivered to Indigenous
organisations, 15% to government, 15% to educational institutions,
and 15% to NGOs and the general public.
Message Disk can be viewed on-line by visiting www.nailsma.org.au
This project is supported by NAILSMA, through funding from the
Australian Government’s Caring for our Country.
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Background Notes
Rangers and groups appearing in Message Disk 3
- Bardi Jawi Rangers (WA)
- Dhimurru Rangers (NT)
- Djelk Rangers (NT)
- li-Anthawirriyarra Rangers (NT)
- Napranum Land and Sea Protection Officers (QLD)
- Pormpuraaw Rangers (QLD)
- Seri Indians (Mexico)
- Torres Strait Land and Sea Managers including Kemer kemer
Meriam Nation (Mer (Murray) Islanders and Erub (Darnley) Islanders)
(QLD)
- Gangalidda/Garrawa Wild River Rangers (QLD)
- Wellesley Islands Rangers (QLD)
- Yirralka Rangers (NT)
Message Disk editing and production support
Rangers and groups participating in the NAILSMA Dugong and
Marine Turtle Project
- Bardi Jawi Rangers (WA)
- Dhimurru Rangers (NT)
- li-Anthawirriyarra Rangers (NT)
- Torres Strait Land and Sea Managers (QLD)
- Mornington & Burketown Rangers (QLD)
- Gangalidda/Garrawa Wild River Rangers (QLD)
- Wellesley Islands Rangers (QLD)
- Injinoo Community (QLD)
- Lockhart Community (QLD)
- Pormpuraaw Rangers (QLD)
- Hopevale Community (QLD)
- Kemer kemer Meriam Nation - Mer (Murray) Islanders, Erub
(Darnley) Islanders (QLD)
- Maluiligal Nation - Badu Islanders, Mabuiag Islanders, St.
Pauls community (QLD)
- Guda Maluiligal Nation - Malu Kiai (Boigu) Islanders (QLD)
- Kulkalgal Nation - Iama (Yam) Islanders (QLD)
- Kaiwalagal Nation – Kaurareg (QLD)
Partners of the NAILSMA Dugong and Marine Turtle Project
- Kimberley Land Council
- Northern Land Council
- Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
- Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation
- Torres Strait Regional Authority
NAILSMA Alliance Members
- Kimberley Land Council
- Northern Land Council
- Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
- Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation
NAILSMA Dugong and Marine Turtle Project Awards
- NT Landcare Awards: Winner “Coast Care Award”
2007
- Banksia Environmental Awards: Winner “Caring for Country
Award” 2008
- Banksia Environmental Awards: Runner-up “People’s
Choice Award” 2008
- National Landcare Awards: Runner-up “People’s
Choice Award” 2008
Coordinator of the NAILSMA Dugong and Marine Turtle
Project
