Our work in the Kimberley
The Monjon: Australia's smallest rock wallaby is found only in the Kimberley
© Jiri Lochman / Lochman Transparencies
WWF has solid foundations in the Kimberley from working closely with Aboriginal communities to improve conservation outcomes. It is also important to recognize that many Kimberley communities face serious social disadvantage and there is a hunger for a better future. Whether large-scale resource development should be part of the answer is being hotly debated within the Kimberley, and beyond.
WWF contributes scientific and policy advice in an effort to foster healthy, informed dialogue around these complex matters. For example, we were a lead negotiator in a process with Indigenous leaders and other conservation groups that produced a joint statement on proposed Kimberley gas development, which is linked in the sidebar.
The Scaly-tailed Possum is found only in the northern Kimberley
© Jiri Lochman / Lochman Transparencies
WWF has also been making its presence felt among the power-brokers in the global resources industry, and with governments, to build support for the strategic environmental assessment, and has been working with the Kimberley tourism industry to find solutions to the challenges facing the region.
In February 2008 WWF convened the largest workshop of its kind where scientists and tourism experts mapped the main natural features of the Kimberley (and north Pilbara) coast. Click on the relevant link below to read the WWF report "Coastal and Marine Natural Values of the Kimberley", watch Minister Peter Garrett launch Australia's first joint strategic environmental assessment, see what makes the Kimberley unique and view the maps created by the participants.
Populations of the endangered Northern Quoll occur in the Kimberley region
© Jiri Lochman / Lochman Transparencies
There is enormous pressure for decisions about development to be made soon and WWF is determined that these should be guided by scientific conservation planning and strategic assessment, alongside Aboriginal traditional knowledge, and rigorous, open debate.
The Kimberley deserves nothing less.
Please check our website regularly for updates and support our work in magnificent region.
