Consolidated report on Indigenous Protected Areas

This report explores the nature and value of changes resulting from investment in the participating IPAs and associated Indigenous ranger programmes across Australia, using the Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology.

Insights
  • The Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) and associated Indigenous ranger programmes have demonstrated success across a broad range of outcome areas, effectively overcoming barriers to addressing Indigenous disadvantage and engaging Indigenous Australians on country in meaningful employment to achieve large scale conservation outcomes, thus aligning the interests of Indigenous Australians and the broader community
  • By facilitating reconnection with country, culture and language, the IPA and WoC programmes have achieved exceptional levels of engagement amongst Indigenous Australians, driving the achievement of positive social, economic, cultural and environmental outcomes, delivering a mutual benefit for all key stakeholders
  • Of the 35 outcomes valued in these analyses, 28 are closely aligned with the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet (PM&C)’s Strategic Priorities, accounting for 91% of the adjusted value
  • While IPAs provide a programme structure with intrinsic value, increased investment in ranger activities on country will accelerate the rate of social return
  • Together, the IPA and WoC programmes have begun to catalyse the development of an Indigenous land and sea-based economy, empowering Indigenous landowners to manage their country in accordance with their priorities.

Participating Indigenous Protected Areas

This report consolidates four separate analyses, which considered five IPAs across Australia, specifically:

  • Warddeken in the Northern Territory (NT);
  • Girringun in Queensland (Qld);
  • Birriliburu and Matuwa Kurrara Kurrara (MKK) in Western Australia (WA) (together forming one analysis); and
  • Minyumai in New South Wales (NSW).
Consolidated report on Indigenous Protected Areas
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Extended benefits of an SROI report 

There can be additional benefits from an SROI analysis if it is approached in the right way.