Achievements of Land and Sea Rangers
In addition to the measurable difference they are making to the protection of biodiversity, Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger programs are recognised as contributing to positive social, cultural and economic outcomes.
Investing in ranger funding makes a significant contribution to regional economies, delivering two to three times the return on each public dollar invested. Links between ranger program participation and positive health and wellbeing outcomes have also been confirmed.
Learning on Country programs, such as those that many Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger groups support, help to make school more relevant to First Nations students in remote areas and indications are that they support improvements in student attendance and learning.
Growing success
The program began with 20 rangers in 2007 and since then has grown from strength to strength. Now more than 200 rangers are employed across 47 locations through funding provided by the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger program.
The program’s success is due to the dedicated efforts of First Nations host organisations who undertake governance and management of their programs; and the efforts of the rangers themselves, who work in often challenging conditions to help keep Country healthy and communities connected.
Find out more about how rangers make a difference through their work on land and sea country.
Investing in rangers
The Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger program has attracted support and investment from government, non-government, and private sources.
Recent investment partnerships include:
- Great Barrier Reef Foundation support, from Boeing and Qantas, for development of a youth engagement program
- ConocoPhillips Australia support for delivery of the Gidarjil Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program (Gladstone)
- Reef Trust support for various ranger groups working in the Great Barrier Reef and its catchments
- World Wildlife Fund support for delivery of the Queensland Indigenous Women’s Ranger Network.
Investors are invited to support this highly successful program, and a partnership prospectus is available. For more information, contact Program Manager, Dave Wildermuth, dave.wildermuth@des.qld.gov.au or landandsea@des.qld.gov.au