Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area (IPA)
Managing the Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area
The Dhimurru IPA is not just land it is Country. It is alive, interconnected, and governed by Yolŋu law. As Yolŋu people, we are not managing this area in the western sense we are fulfilling our inherited responsibilities as custodians.
Our connection to Country is grounded in gurrutu (kinship), songlines, and the instructions passed down through generations. These responsibilities guide how we look after fire, animals, waters, plants, and sacred places.
Dhimurru manages the IPA using our own cultural knowledge, alongside practical tools and partnerships where appropriate. This includes fire management, species protection, access planning, and education that respects Yolŋu decision-making and seasonal cycles.
We work to keep the balance not as a method, but as a way of life.
Purpose and significance
The Dhimurru IPA is designated to protect the natural and cultural values of the land while allowing Yolŋu people to maintain their traditional practices and connections to the land.
Land management
The IPA encompasses a significant area of Yolŋu land, where Dhimurru implements sustainable land management practices that honour traditional knowledge.
Biodiversity
The area is home to diverse ecosystems, including coastal environments, wetlands, and forests providing habitats for various native species.
Cultural heritage
The Dhimurru IPA aims to safeguard the cultural heritage of the Yolŋu people, preserving sites of cultural importance and promoting awareness of Yolŋu traditions and practices.
Community involvement
Local Yolŋu communities play a crucial role in managing the IPA, ensuring that their voices and knowledge inform conservation efforts. We would love to host community days where the public can come out and help, taking some load off our rangers.
Collaborative efforts
Dhimurru collaborates with various agencies and organisations to promote research and conservation initiatives that align with the goals of the Dhimurru IPA.