Developing a cultural and conservation economy for Northern Australia

Product Information

The project examined the suitability of Canada’s Ecotrust ‘conservation economy’ model for enhancing sustainable development in rural and remote Indigenous communities in Australia.

Three community case studies and a broad regional case study were undertaken to ensure the research was grounded in remote Indigenous peoples’ experiences.

What is a Cultural and Conservation Economy?

A cultural and conservation economy supports long-term, sustainable solutions for maintaining country and culture in Indigenous communities. This emerging economy is being driven by strong community leadership.

The approach draws on the Canadian ‘conservation economy’ model, Ecotrust, and has been adapted for the Australian context through collaboration with Indigenous organisations. The model applies a ‘quadruple-bottom line’ approach to economic development, which balances economic, environmental, social and cultural needs.