In this issue...

I-Tracker Workshop

An I-Tracker 'train the trainer' workshop, co-presented by NAILSMA and GhostNets Australia, was held in Darwin October 8-9.

The aim of the workshop was to increase the number of individuals across north Australia working with Indigenous rangers who are competent in the use of I-Tracker.

The workshop was a great success with the participants now able to assist in developing and maintaining monitoring regimes using CyberTracker software—a core component of the I-Tracker program.

Participating in the workshop were representatives from the Northern Land Council, Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Kimberley Land Council, Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation, Wellesley Islands Rangers, Bardi Jawi Rangers, li-Anthawirriyarra Sea Rangers, Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals Program, Torres Straight Regional Authority, Thamarrurr Rangers, Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporations, Djelk Rangers and NAILSMA.

Listen to what some of the participants had to say...

Comcaac of Sonora Mexico Visit Northern Australia

The Native Oceans Community Exchange Program in Australia is a partnership between Ocean Revolution and the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA).

The exchange program creates opportunities for Indigenous and Traditional peoples to share knowledge, skills and experiences about the biological and cultural values and conservation and management of marine and coastal environments.

Supported by The Christensen Fund, the inaugural exchange featured an on-country visit to Mexico by Indigenous land and sea managers from Australia in January 2008. In November 2008, members of Grupo Tortuguero Comcaac from Sonora Mexico visited Indigenous sea rangers in north Australia.

Enjoy part one of this series - the Comcaac visit the Dhimurru Rangers in North East Arnhem Land.

Native Oceans Traditional Knowledge Exchange Full Report

The full report of the Native Oceans Traditional Knowledge Exchange between Comcaac people of Sonora Mexico and Indigenous land and sea managers from north Australia can now be downloaded from the NAILSMA website.

The report features commentary from the participants and is filled with stunning photography from the exchange.

View the report

In the news...

Declaration recognises Indigenous land managers - Charles Darwin University
Declaration recognises Indigenous land managers Charles Darwin University North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance ( NAILSMA ) Chief Executive Officer Joe Morrison believes the growing recognition of Indigenous ...

Cash for conservation 'not enough' - ABC Online
The Age Cash for conservation 'not enough' ABC Online The alliance's chief executive, Joe Morrison , is calling for changes to the Federal Government's Indigenous Protected Areas program. ...

'Protected area' created in Arnhem Land - ABC Online
Embrace Australia 'Protected area' created in Arnhem Land ABC Online The chief executive of the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance, Joe Morrison , says there will be many benefits. "It means new jobs, ...

Sign on the dotted line saves spectacular rock art - Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney Morning Herald Sign on the dotted line saves spectacular rock art Sydney Morning Herald Photo: Glenn Campbell INDIGENOUS ranger Romeo Lane points at an ancient painting of a six-legged goanna, one of thousands of Aboriginal paintings on rocks ...

Nature reserves declared in top end - Sydney Morning Herald
Nature reserves declared in top end Sydney Morning Herald The Djelk decision will help protect its threatened species, such as marine turtles , file snakes and other reptiles. The two areas are larger than Kakadu ...