How Indigenous Protected Areas became a vital way to protect nature in Australia

When you think of conservation in Australia, chances are you'll think of a national park.

But there's another fast-growing way of conserving land: Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs). These areas of land or sea Country are voluntarily dedicated by Traditional Owners to protect nature and cultural values and responsibilities.

Once dedicated, an IPA becomes part of Australia's National Reserve System—our network of protected areas. To protect the area, Indigenous rangers tackle invasive species and undertake cultural burning and many other tasks.

In 2022, the Australian government signed up to an international pledge to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030. This is one reason why IPAs have grown so rapidly in recent years.

In July, 4.7 million hectares (11.6 million acres) of the Simpson Desert was dedicated as the newest protected area—the Pmere Atherre Antenterreme IPA.