Developing a Cultural and Conservation Economy for Northern Australia

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.

Land & Water Australia

Social and Institutional Research Program
GPO Box 2182 Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: (02) 6263 6000
Email: enquiries@lwa.gov.au

Dr Rosemary Hill

CSIRO, Sustainable Ecosystems
Phone: 07 4042 1252
Email: ro.hill@csiro.au

Ms Jann Crase

Australian Conservation Foundation
Northern Australia Program
Phone: 07 4051 3892j.crase@acfonline.org.au
Email: j.crase@acfonline.org.au

Publications and Resources

None listed

Citation

Land & Water Australia. 2009. Developing a Cultural and Conservation Economy for Northern Australia . [Online] (Updated April 7th, 2009)
Available at: http://lwa.gov.au/node/3089 [Accessed Sunday 14th of March 2010 05:18:57 PM ].