Developing ecosystem services economies for Indigenous comunities in northern Australia

Developing incentivised Ecosystem Services (ES) economies (& expanding carbon economies currently focused on greenhouse gas emissions abatement) will enable Indigenous communities across northern Australia (and worldwide) to
manage their natural resources in culturally appropriate and sustainable ways. Astute and bne-scale Indigenous management will deliver multiple ES through protecting biodiversity, water resources, and preventing the degradation of
land, while delivering signibcant socio-economic and cultural benebts to the communities, as below. Environmental impacts:
1. Protection of biodiversity, water and land resources by applying bne-scale management practices
2. Better use and management of natural resources, including biodiversity
3. Improved ecosystems, delivering ES to the locals and wider Australian public
4. Improved bre management contributing to mitigating climate change
Community impacts:
1. Work opportunities for remote Indigenous communities on-country, suiting cultural aspirations
2. Enabled and empowered remote Indigenous communities across northern Australia
3. Enhanced well-being of Indigenous peoples for being engaged in meaningful work opportunities, improved health,
reduced domestic violence, and opportunities to work and learn on-country
Economic impacts:
1. Meaningful employment opportunities in remote locations
2. ES economies, expanding the carbon economy ($30-40 million/year), both in geographical extent and ecological context
3. Developing and utilizing people's capabilities to manage land and water resources