Caring for Country

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have strong cultural connections to their Country and have been managing their lands for thousands of years [33317]. There is increasing recognition of the value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s knowledge and skills in natural resource management and adaptation to the effects of climate change. This is important because recent breakdowns of ecological systems and harms to biodiversity have a negative impact on human health and wellbeing [46925].

Indigenous land management and ranger programs now operate across Australia, combining traditional knowledge with conservation training to protect and manage the land, sea and culture [33317]. For example, Indigenous fire management practices, such as traditional or ‘cool burning’, are becoming increasingly recognised as a way to reduce the occurrence and severity of larger wildfires that threaten the lives of animals and humans, as well as reducing the health impacts of biomass smoke exposure.

Aside from these benefits to humans, animals, and the environment, caring for Country also brings health benefits to Traditional Owners. Studies from Central Australia and the Northern Territory show that those people living on their homelands had a lower risk and occurrence of chronic disease. This was linked to Aboriginal residents maintaining a better cultural connection to Country and to their families, which greatly increases their social and emotional wellbeing and physical health through healthy lifestyles [33317] [46561].

As both an obligation and an honour for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, caring for Country activities and actions draw on laws, knowledge and customs that have been inherited from ancestors and ancestral beings, to ensure the continued health of lands and seas [45620]. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a reciprocal relationship with Country, and it is important for their health and wellbeing to maintain that connection and keep Country healthy – if you ‘look after Country, Country will look after you’ [37000].