FIRST NATIONS VOICES CALL FOR A NATURE POSITIVE FUTURE

First Nations people from across the continent have gathered on Gadigal Land/Sydney this week for the inaugural Global Nature Positive Summit hosted by the Albanese government.

A joint statement, co-written by First Nations advisers at the Australian Conservation Foundation and WWF-Australia and signed by more than 40 groups and individuals, calls on government and business representatives to engage Indigenous peoples on all ‘nature positive’ decision-making processes and outcomes.

The statement reads, “Nature Positive may sound like a new concept, but First Peoples have been nature-positive for millennia. We call it caring for Country. Whether it’s land, sea or sky, caring for Country has been part of our stories and songlines for generations. It’s driven by one simple principle: leaving Country better than you found it.”

Australian Conservation Foundation’s First Nations Lead Josie Alec said:

“First Nations voices need to be at the forefront of the Albanese government’s nature law reform, approvals process and environmental planning for the future. This has to be done through meaningful, respectful and transparent dialogue.  

“The Global Nature Positive Summit is a start, but in order for it to progress beyond a talk-fest, the Albanese government needs to meaningfully take action to be nature positive – and that means no more reckless approvals for coal and gas that destroy our lands and waterways.   

“First Nations people have knowledge passed down through our stories and ancestors for over millennia.

“The Albanese government has a responsibility to the people of this country to start protecting the land and sea from destructive industries and business by utilising and implementing traditional knowledge into its environmental laws. We are crisis point. It’s about sustainability and longevity of all life on earth.”

WWF-Australia’s First Nations Principal Adviser Cliff Cobbo said:

“Nature positive is not a new concept for First Nations peoples. It’s in our DNA. We have a physical and spiritual connection to nature. It’s our inherent right and responsibility to look after and care for Country and we’ve been doing so for thousands of generations.

“First Nations communities bear disproportionate exposure to the impact and trauma of the climate change crisis.

“Governments, civil society and Traditional Owners working together on climate change decisions from the outset is the way forward.

“A Nature Positive future is our cultural authority and Knowledge being recognised and valued as a vital part of nature-based solutions to the climate crisis. It always was, and always will be.”