Lore of the Land AbCF Newsletter #2
CEO WELCOME – Welcome Everyone to the second edition of our LORE OF THE LAND, Quarterly Newsletter
On Country with the Western Yalanji Rangers. It was an absolute pleasure to recently spend time with Western Yalanji rangers undertaking cultural burning on Palmerville Station. It’s the best part of the job and always rewarding to spend time yarning and laughing together. Next year we would like to invite our partners to share this magical experience. While we are only halfway through 2024, it feels like we have already packed in an entire year’s worth of cultural connections, carbon and sustainability work and fostering First Nations innovations. This year has shaped up to be the busiest for our team than ever before.
We have rounded out the last half of 2024 with our Strategic Planning Retreat on the beautiful lands and waters of the Butchulla peoples – K’gari. We were joined by our Board of Directors, with presentations by Rob Fowler of Partners in Performance, Katie Simpson from Directors Australia, along with some special guest from the First Nation Fiji Resources Foundation. You can download our Strategic Plan 2024 – 2029 here.
2024 has been a year of partnerships and empowerment, and we have been busy with new projects and investment opportunities developed and cultural connections made and strengthened, both here in Australia and across the shores in Timor Leste and Fiji.
Our team continues to grow with a part-time Administration Assistance coming on board in the Cairns office – local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman Sade Geia. We also welcomed Michael Coleman to the team who is based in Naarm and busy with project and business development.
I visited Fiji at the start of the year and have enjoyed a close working relationship with the First Nation Fiji Resource Foundation members throughout the year, including hosting the inaugural High Integrity Working Group meeting in Cairns in May.
In April our team travelled to Timor Leste with three Western Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation Rangers to provide training in carbon farming, climate change, and community-led carbon farming opportunities for Timor-Leste, with wide-ranging discussions from the Paris Agreement to the best trees to plant for carbon sequestration. There was also a special presentation on Savanna Burning by the WYAC rangers.
As a leading Indigenous empowerment organisation, our priority is, and always will be Mob. We continue to strengthen our relationships with First Nations peoples from the Kimberley, Western Australia to Western Yalanji lands of Cape York, and wherever else we are called to integrate traditional Aboriginal knowledge with cutting edge technology.
I hope that by shining a light on the amazing work of our mob all over the country, and First Nations Peoples internationally – we continue to inspire you to connect with us this year.
This is just a small insight into the myriad of ways we work with First Nations peoples to connect and heal country, utilise their existing knowledge and Lore and build and develop new ways to build healthy, wealthy community and mob. – Rowan Foley
CELEBRATING SUCCESS WITH THE WULBURJUBUR CULTURAL FIRE PROJECT
The Western Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation (WYAC) proudly leads the Wulburjubur Cultural Fire project, an initiative rooted in ancient traditions and modern environmental stewardship. This project highlights the power of cultural burning practices in managing and preserving our precious savanna landscapes.
A Project with Purpose and Tradition. Launched in 2021, the Wulburjubur Cultural Fire project is driven by the Western Yalanji Traditional Owners. By conducting early dry season cultural burns, these dedicated custodians of the land aim to mitigate late dry season wildfires. This proactive approach not only protects the environment but also aligns with the age-old practices of the Western Yalanji people, blending cultural heritage with contemporary environmental management.
Impressive Achievements in Carbon Abatement. The 2022 savanna burning season has proven to be a resounding success. The Clean Energy Regulator has recognized the project’s effectiveness, issuing 4,967 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) based on thorough evidence and calculations from the period 24 June 2022 to 31 July 2022. The savanna burning efforts have been diligently recorded and verified by SavBAT reports, ensuring transparency and accuracy.
Looking Ahead: Continued Success. Building on the triumphs of 2022, the Wulburjubur Cultural Fire project has already made significant strides in 2023. With an additional 5,799 ACCUs for the current year, the project’s total contribution to carbon abatement stands at an impressive 10,766 ACCUs. This remarkable achievement underscores the effectiveness of traditional practices in achieving modern environmental goals.
Protecting the Land for Future Generations. Situated on the Wulburjubur Bama Land Trust, spanning 577 square kilometers in Cape York, Queensland, the project area is free from livestock and the invasive gamba grass. This pristine condition ensures that the cultural burning practices have a maximal positive impact on the ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and resilience.
A Model for Sustainable Land Management. The WYAC exemplifies the potential for partnerships between traditional knowledge and companies aiming to be carbon neutral and address their Reconciliation Action Plan.
We celebrate and support the tireless efforts of the Western Yalanji Traditional Owners and their commitment to sustainable land management. Their work sets a shining example of how traditional practices can effectively address modern environmental challenges. Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring project and the ongoing efforts of the Western Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation to protect and nurture our land for future generations.
STRATEGIC PLANNING RETREAT – K’GARI
In May we held our annual Strategic Planning Retreat on Butchulla country on the beautiful island of K’gari, Traditional Homelands and waters of our CEO, Rowan Foley. The retreat provided a valuable opportunity for us to strengthen our bonds and align our strategies for the future. Along with our Board of Directors, led by our Chairman Barry Hunter, we also welcomed a small contingent of First Nation Fiji Resources Foundation comrades, Rob Fowler from Partners in Performance and Katie Simpson from Directors Australia.
Vision and Strategies. We kicked off the retreat by refining our Strategic Plan, ensuring our vision and strategies are aligned with our goals for sustainable carbon industry development.
Risk Management. We developed a customised risk appetite statement and management framework to navigate potential challenges and seize opportunities effectively.
Indo-Pacific Opportunities. We explored promising Indo-Pacific opportunities, focusing on our projects in Timor-Leste and the recently signed Fiji MoU and contract, setting the stage for impactful collaborations.
Indigenous Country and Biodiversity Alliance (ICBA). This new initiative is a partnership between NAILSMA, Kimberley Land Council, Indigenous Desert Alliance and Firesticks Alliance, and aims to showcase Indigenous knowledge relating to biodiversity improvements. AbCF is looking forward to contributing towards this dynamic new space.
We also reviewed several exciting projects and initiatives, including:
- Cassowary Credits
- Revamping Cultural Fire Credits
- Queensland Government’s Land Restoration Fund
- Indigenous Biodiversity project
- Engagement with non-Indigenous carbon farmers
Join Us on This Journey. The retreat underscored the strong support from both the Australian Government and the carbon industry. Together, we are poised to create a high-integrity carbon industry that supports the empowerment of traditional landowners and sustainable environmental practices.
DEVELOPING A HIGH INTEGRITY CARBON SCHEME IN FIJI Watch Our Video on You Tube
INDIGENOUS COUNTRY AND BIODIVERSITY ALLIANCE (ICBA): A NEW ERA OF INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP
We are proud to be a part of the formation of the Indigenous Country and Biodiversity Alliance (ICBA), a dynamic new partnership bringing together innovative Indigenous leaders from across Australia. In collaboration with the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA), Kimberley Land Council, Indigenous Desert Alliance, and Firesticks Alliance, the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation (AbCF) is excited to join this historic initiative. This alliance marks an exciting and historical moment for Indigenous leadership in the biodiversity space and beyond.
The momentum generated from our recent meeting has set a clear path forward, with actionable steps to progress our shared goals. Our collective intention is to work together on the Indigenous-led biodiversity project, uniting founding Indigenous partners and further empowering mob. This project is driven by private investment, championing Indigenous leadership in the development of emerging biodiversity market opportunities that seek to maximize benefits for First Nations peoples and their communities across Australia.
Our recent gathering was an inspiring discussion of opportunities for Traditional Owners and Indigenous organisations in the emerging Nature-Repair and Biodiversity Market. We know that Indigenous knowledge and leadership are crucial to addressing globally acknowledged environmental challenges, and we are excited to be sharing ideas and engaging in impactful and collaborative conversations. We look forward to continuing this journey together and building on the positive momentum we have created. Stay tuned for more updates as we progress this important work.
CLIMATE CHANGE & COMMUNITY-LED CARBON FARMING OPPORTUNITIES IN TIMOR LESTE
A Journey of Cultural Exchange and Environmental Stewardship: AbCF and WYAC Rangers Visit Timor-Leste. In April, the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation (AbCF) invited Western Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation (WYAC) Rangers to join us in a unique cultural exchange and two-way training opportunity in Timor Leste. In Baucau and Vivueque Municipalities, we delivered two-day carbon farming training sessions to around 60 community leaders from the DFAT-funded TRACC project, government agency representatives, and key stakeholders in Baucau and Vivueque municipalities, presented with the assistance of an English translator. The group explored carbon farming, climate change, and community-led carbon farming opportunities for Timor-Leste, with wide-ranging discussions from the Paris Agreement to the best trees to plant for carbon sequestration. There was also a special presentation on Savanna Burning by the WYAC rangers.
It was particularly special to be joined by WYAC rangers, including Elder, senior ranger and cultural leader Uncle Dennis Lee Cheu, along with rangers David Boyle and Les Geia, and participate in some remarkable cultural experiences. Our hearts were full as we took part in the beautiful Harvest Ceremony, blessing the bountiful maize crop in a Viqueque village, including an extraordinary opportunity to connect with the Lautem Rangers in Timor-Leste for a unique ranger-to-ranger cultural learning experience. The Lautem Rangers guided us through their national park, leading us to a sacred site adorned with ancient rock paintings dating back hundreds of years. This breathtaking journey was rich with history and cultural significance.
This exchange highlighted the power of shared knowledge and fostering connections across cultures. Together, we are preserving traditions, protecting our lands, and building a brighter future for generations to come. Our time in Timor-Leste was filled with unforgettable moments, strengthening the bond between First Nations people from Timor-Leste and Australia.
This initiative involves partners Caritas Australia, and Catholic Relief Services (CRS), funded by DFAT (Climate Resilience by Nature) and administered by Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). A key component of the TRACC (Transforming Rural Lives through Adaptation and Carbon Capture) is the introduction of Agroforestry techniques to 550 households. During our visit, we spend time with local family farm in the Village of Builale, Post Administrative of Ossu, in the Municipality of Viqueque. They receive 100 seedlings to grow on their land using agroforestry practices they learn throughout the project. This training teaches them about seasonal crops, including what they can grow during Timor’s rainy and dry seasons. After three to four years, families can sell the fruit and have multiple income streams from both vegetables and fruit crops. This empowerment project helps improve and rehabilitate the forest ecosystem in Timor-Leste and generate income for participating families and communities.
Meeting a local family—four generations strong—and hearing firsthand how the program has given them new opportunities and ways to care for the land and generate future income was truly inspiring.
Our mission, wherever we go, remains the same: to add value to the empowerment of First Nations peoples to take care of their land their own way, creating thriving, healthy, and wealthy communities where Indigenous peoples are self-determining and self-governing. Our travels have taught us the strength and power of unity among First Nations peoples. Nowhere have we felt this connection more keenly than in Timor-Leste.
We continue to be humbled by the kindness of the First Nations peoples we have encountered on our travels throughout Timor-Leste and all the ways we are connected through our relationship with land and sea and taking care of country.
CARBON CONFERENCE ON GIMUY COUNTRY
At the Carbon Market Institute’s 8th Carbon Farming Industry Forum in Gimuy, the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation (AbCF) made significant contributions towards some lively conversations across two days, with CEO Rowan Foley adding critical dialogue to the discussions. Rowan Foley participated in a panel titled “Connecting Country, Community, and Climate – Communicating Benefits and Building Capacity.” This insightful plenary session delved into the social and community license around land sector credit projects, emphasising the importance of ensuring appropriate benefit sharing and creating regional opportunities.
Key highlights from the plenary included:
- Exploring Outreach and Education Programs: Programs such as the Australian Government’s Carbon Farming Outreach Program were highlighted for their role in educating and engaging communities in carbon farming practices.
- Sub-National Platforms: The panel discussed the role of sub-national platforms in effectively communicating the benefits of carbon farming to various stakeholders.
- Community and Media Narratives: Building strong community and media narratives was underscored as essential for promoting sustainable futures.
- Skill Development and Training: Developing critical skills and training for sustainable futures was a key focus, aiming to empower communities with the knowledge and tools needed for long-term success.
Together, we are working towards a sustainable and inclusive future, led by First Nations custodianship and the ancient knowledge of taking care of the country.
The AbCF also engaged in exciting sessions alongside the First Nation Fiji Resources Foundation (FNFRF). Dr. Akanisi Kedrayte joined a prominent panel of Indigenous experts to discuss “Indigenous Carbon – Opportunities and ‘Right Way, Wrong Way Engagement’.” This session highlighted:
- Indigenous Ownership Opportunities: Exploring the core benefits and opportunities for Indigenous ownership and involvement in carbon projects.
- Overcoming Participation Barriers: Addressing the challenges that hinder Indigenous participation in carbon markets.
- ‘Right Way’ Engagement: Emphasizing the importance of ‘right way’ engagement and adhering to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
The collaboration between AbCF and FNFRF showcased our joint efforts in Indigenous community empowerment through sustainable carbon initiatives. As we continue to support Indigenous leadership in sustainability and the carbon market, let’s work together to make a difference by promoting Indigenous custodianship and sustainable practices.
HIGH INTEGRITY CARBON SCHEME IN FIJI – WORKING GROUPS – EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY
We recently celebrated the formation of the inaugural working groups as part of hte High Integrity Carbon Scheme – a powerful partnership between the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation (AbCF) and the First Nations Fiji Resources Foundation (FNFRF). This collaboration marks a significant step towards achieving long-term benefits for the First Nations peoples of Australia and Fiji.
A Shared Vision for Protection and Empowerment
This new initiative focuses on three core areas:
- Protecting Country, People, and Community
- Building Healthier and Wealthier Communities
- Empowering First Nations Peoples
Together, we are committed to looking after country and culture, prioritising people in every decision we make. By nurturing and empowering First Nations peoples, we take care of our sacred land and waters. These working groups aim to explore how successful practices in carbon farming for First Nations Australians can be shared with other First Nations communities, including those in Fiji and Timor-Leste.
A Global Shift Towards Equality. We are at the beginning of a dynamic global shift in addressing the power imbalance that has long marginalised Indigenous peoples. This initiative is humbly and gratefully supported by specialists volunteering their expertise in various fields and importantly, by the Fijian Government.
Our Mission. Our mission is clear: to serve our people and integrate the knowledge of what serves them best into the core business of each working group. Through a co-design process, we ensure that the solutions we create are sustainable, impactful, and resonate deeply with our communities.
Looking Ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as we progress in our work. Join us in celebrating this first step in a long-term journey towards empowerment and sustainability.
Together, we are building a brighter future for First Nations peoples.
Get Inspired! Check out our latest video here!
STAFF NEWS…WELCOME!
Name: Sade Geia | Position: Administration Assistant | Office Location: Gimuy(Cairns)
Email: admin@abcfoundation.org.au | Contact Details: P (07) 4031 7756
Name: Michael Coleman | Position: Project Manager (Commercial) | Office Location: Naarm (Melbourne)
Email: michael@abcfoundation.org.au | Contact Details: M 0428 896 094
MESSAGE STICKS… Hit us up on the socials or check out our website for ways to support mob and sustainability!
