Aborigines and Fire in the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia: Ecosystem Management Across Cultures

Abstract

Australian indigenous people may retain common law native title rights in lands that have been reserved for nature conservation purposes . They are seeking greater equity in management of these places , and recognition of their cultural practices , such as "fire-stick farming." This article examines the approach to fire management of one group of Australian Aborigines , the Kuku-Yalanji , and that of the government managers of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area . The comparative ecosystem management framework used to analyze the cultural interface highlights potential conflicts over the control of management and information, while identifying common interests in maintaining species and communities . Kuku-Yalanji use fire to protect fire-sensitive rainforests as well as to promote fire-prone open forests. The study suggests a Fire Protocol to mediate the different goals of the two groups, and supports the view that implementation of ecosystem management requires a social decision process.