In a landmark move, Australia has established its first Sea Country Indigenous Protected Area (IPA), honoring the Karajarri people’s enduring connection to the coastal and marine environments of northwestern Kimberley. This vast protected territory supports diverse species and strengthens cultural and ecological health through Indigenous-led management.
- 237,489 hectares of Sea Country now protected
- Karajarri people's deep ecological knowledge honored
- Supports turtles, migratory birds, and sawfish habitats
What happened
In March 2026, the Karajarri people of northwestern Australia formally dedicated Karajarri Jurarr Ngurra, marking the nation’s first Indigenous Protected Area focused specifically on Sea Country. This new protected area includes coastal and marine ecosystems such as reefs, wetlands, beaches, and adjacent desert-edge lands, spanning nearly 237,500 hectares. It notably encompasses part of Eighty Mile Beach—known locally as Malumpurr—an ecologically rich and culturally significant stretch of coastline.
The creation of this IPA is the result of over 30 years of dedication, involving legal land claims, establishing land-based protected areas, and developing a ranger program championed by the Karajarri community. Now, formal recognition extends to the sea, providing a vital framework for ongoing conservation led by Indigenous knowledge and stewardship.
Why it feels good
This milestone reflects the strength of Indigenous connections to Country, where landscape and seascape are viewed as one unified estate linked by law, memory, and responsibility. By designating Sea Country as protected, the Karajarri can apply their traditional ecological knowledge to conserve important species like flatback turtles, migratory birds reliant on wetlands, and rarer marine life such as sawfish. Their vigilant observation and care over generations enrich scientific and management efforts.
The achievement also acknowledges the crucial relationship between people and environment—healthy Country supports healthy communities, and vice versa. The formal IPA status empowers the Karajarri to guide protection efforts on their own terms, fostering both cultural vitality and regional biodiversity. Moreover, it enhances Australia’s ambitious goal to protect 30% of its land and waters by 2030, with Indigenous Protected Areas leading this progress.
What to enjoy or watch next
Looking forward, the Karajarri Sea Country IPA offers a living example of how Indigenous leadership can lead conservation success that blends traditional wisdom with modern science. Visitors and supporters can appreciate the spectacular natural diversity of Malumpurr, including witnessing turtle nesting seasons and bird migrations in these protected habitats. Observing these cycles can deepen respect for this unique coastal environment and the people who protect it.
At a broader level, the expansion of Indigenous Protected Areas into marine regions worldwide is a trend worth watching. It highlights the growing recognition that Indigenous communities are essential partners in global conservation. The Karajarri’s innovative model may inspire other regions to follow, fostering enduring care for both land and sea that benefits ecosystems and local cultures alike.