In a landmark move for conservation and Indigenous rights, the Karajarri people have officially established Australia’s first Indigenous Protected Area focused on marine and coastal ecosystems. This Sea Country IPA covers an expansive 237,489 hectares along the Indian Ocean’s Eighty Mile Beach in the Kimberley region.
- Karajarri establish Australia’s first Sea Country IPA.
- Protected area spans nearly 237,500 hectares of marine habitat.
- Part of Australia’s strategy to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030.
What happened
In March 2026, the Karajarri people dedicated Karajarri Jurarr Ngurra, Australia’s first Indigenous Protected Area specifically for Sea Country. This IPA encompasses nearly 237,500 hectares of coastal waters and marine ecosystems along part of Eighty Mile Beach in Western Australia’s Kimberley region. The initiative builds on decades of efforts by the Karajarri community to secure legal recognition of their lands and to manage them through their own ranger program.
This Sea Country IPA complements the existing Karajarri Pirra Ngurra land-based IPA, together covering an area comparable in size to Rwanda. The recognition provides formal protection for diverse coastal habitats, including nesting sites for the flatback turtle and waters home to endangered sawfish. It also strengthens the Karajarri’s ongoing stewardship of their traditional landscapes and seascapes.
Why it feels good
The creation of the Karajarri Sea Country IPA is not only a conservation milestone but also a celebration of Indigenous knowledge and cultural connection to the land and sea. The Karajarri emphasize the mutually reinforcing relationship between people’s wellbeing and the health of their Country, embodying a holistic approach to environmental care.
This achievement aligns with Australia’s broader environmental targets to safeguard 30% of its lands and waters by 2030. Indigenous Protected Areas currently contribute more than half of this goal, showcasing the critical role Traditional Owners play in preserving biodiversity. The government’s support reflects growing recognition of Indigenous leadership in conservation that benefits communities, wildlife, and ecosystems alike.
What to enjoy or watch next
With the Karajarri’s Sea Country IPA now established, it offers opportunities for ecological monitoring, cultural revitalization, and community engagement that highlight Indigenous stewardship. Watching how this management model supports both biodiversity and the Karajarri people’s cultural heritage will be inspiring for conservation efforts globally.
Future expansion of Indigenous Protected Areas and increased funding channels hint at a promising horizon for similar projects across Australia. Following the Karajarri example, other Indigenous communities are expected to launch sea and land IPAs, further strengthening the interconnected web of conservation and cultural respect throughout the continent.