La cooperación al servicio de la recuperación de la diversidad: Experiencias en Western Australia

Abstract

Cooperation serving to biodiversity recovery: Experiences in Western Australia. Decades of inadequate use of natural resources in Australia have conducted to native species extinction. Learning from their own mistakes, conservation projects in which several parties are involved have recently been launched. The Central Ranges Region in the Gibson Desert belongs to the aboriginal people. During the 90’s the Western Australia Museum funded a Project that was further conducted by the Environmental Conservation Department (ECD) and the aboriginal Ngaanyatjarra community, whose members share a deep knowledge of the land. The most relevant result of this vast scientific study was the identification of two new species and the identification of several plant and animal species new for that territory. Mining is one of the most impacting activity in Australia. However, social responsibility on environmental matters has made possible that the mining companies conduct ambitious campaigns for species protection. Mulgaras (Dasycercus cristicaula) occupied areas that are currently devoted to mining. The mining company ‘Resolute Resources’ funded a research Project, which was later completed by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM), aimed at identifying active populations of this carnivorous marsupial. A resulting management programme to avoid mining activities interferring with mulgara’s biological activity has been implemented. The most relevant aspect of both initiatives has been the collaboration between the different agents and the exchange of knowledge and experiences. Especially important has been the design of management plans for the two territories, that are currently in operation. These plans focus on the preservation of natural and cultural heritage of Western Australian territories.