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The article highlights the critical role of Indigenous cultural values in environmental conservation, focusing on the Fitzroy River (Martuwarra) in Western Australia. For Traditional Custodians, the river is not just a waterway but a living entity central to their identity, kinship, and responsibility. Culturally significant entities—such as species, landscapes, and ecosystems—hold deep spiritual and livelihood importance for Indigenous communities. However, these values are often overlooked in national conservation policies, which prioritize ecological data over cultural significance. The article discusses a project, Recognising Culturally Significant Entities, led by Aboriginal researchers and Traditional Custodians, which aims to integrate Indigenous knowledge into environmental management. This framework emphasizes that cultural significance must be determined by Traditional Custodians themselves, as it is rooted in place, community, and knowledge systems. The Fitzroy River, recognized as a National Heritage Place, exemplifies the need to balance ecological and cultural values. Threats like mining, agriculture, and climate change underscore the urgency of protecting these connections. The article argues that conservation must move beyond species and habitats to recognize the intrinsic link between people, culture, and Country, ensuring that Indigenous values inform sustainable management practices.

The article highlights the challenges faced by Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) in Australia, which are underfunded compared to non-Indigenous managed areas like national parks. Despite being part of Australia's National Reserve System, IPAs receive only $0.21 per hectare annually—less than 2% of the funding allocated to other protected areas. Indigenous Rangers manage these regions with limited resources, often working on 'the smell of an oily rag' (a phrase indicating minimal support). While the federal government has announced new investments in IPAs as part of initiatives like the $250 million Australian Bushland Program, critics warn against spreading resources too thinly. The article also underscores the critical role of Indigenous-led conservation in meeting global targets such as the 30 by 30 biodiversity goal, which aims to protect 30% of land and marine areas by 2030. Aboriginal communities are key to achieving these objectives, with their stewardship of Country through IPAs serving as a model for other nations. The piece also notes international collaboration, including knowledge exchanges between Australian and Canadian Indigenous groups, highlighting the global significance of Indigenous conservation practices.

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