Looking after country’ through wildlife utilisation

Vast areas of northern Australia have become sparsely populated; as a result they are threatened by unmanaged fire, weeds and feral animals. Active land management is needed to preserve natural heritage, cultural and social values. With economic opportunities and incentives the Aboriginal Traditional Owners can make a living and undertake this land management. ‘Looking after country’ is a holistic term which to Aboriginal people includes spiritual, cultural and land management connotations and includes the sustainable use of wildlife. Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) is a tree endemic to northern Australia whose unique properties have many commercial applications. It is prolific across northern Australian where it is being commercially harvested by some Aboriginal communities. There is an opportunity to meet more of the substantial commercial demand through wild harvest. However many social, cultural, ecological, business, and legislative considerations need to be worked through. This paper provides a synopsis of the development of the Kakadu Plum industry and considers the business structures, research, community engagement and private industry inputs required for expansion. The value chains and business acumen created through the commercialisation of Kakadu Plum will create a pathway for other native species, with Indigenous ecological knowledge being valued and protected. This approach will provide conservation, economic and social benefit to northern Australia.