HomepageLCSDP Objectives and Activities
4. To develop a natural resources management framework for the sustainable development of the Budj Bim landscape.
The natural and cultural resources of Budj Bim landscape are distinct and unique. It is important to ensure the efficient and sustainable use of resources for the long-term benefit of the communities living in the far southwest of Victoria.
Thousands of years of knowledge, custom and practice embedded the principles of sustainable development along the landscape.
The knowledge that remains today has been passed down through Gunditjmara families and recorded through ethnographic records. It is important to understand that the lands and waters themselves also hold stories of ecological knowledge.
The past decade has progressed the broader understanding and need for sustainable development that balances the social, cultural, environmental and economic values for the benefit of the far southwest of Victoria.
A series of research and projects that have been conducted since 2002 have focussed on components of the broader objective of building a natural resources management framework for the sustainable development of the Budj Bim landscape. Some activities include:
- Mt Eccles Botanical Management Plan & Survey - 2008
- Budj Bim Lake Condah Restoration Eel Production Capacity Report - 2008
- Lake Condah Hydrology Feasibility Study - 2009
- Lake Condah Darlots Creek Biodiversity Study – 2009
- Indigenous Protected Area Management Plans for Kuronitj (2010), Lake Condah (2010) and Tyrendarra (2003).
- Indigenous Ecological Knowledge Partnership Project 2010 - 2014
- Budj Bim Landscape – Ngoot Mara Ngott Mirring Southwest Plan 2011
The achievement of this objective could be viewed in many ways. The current management of the landscape in line with recommendations contained in the documents at this point of time can mean the objective is somewhat achieved. The same may not be said in 5 years time or in 10 years time. The expected World Heritage nomination process and hopeful listing for the Budj Bim landscape will bring a new schedule of management to the landscape to be considered in context to the objective. Other ongoing land change and management that affect the Budj Bim landscape is also required to be referenced and reviewed.
The need to continue an ongoing review and evaluation of the activities that contribute to the objective is required to be conducted at least annually and with the achievement of milestones.
The achievement of the objective will be determined by the cultural, social, environmental and economic values of the Gunditjmara and LCSDP participants at particular moments in time by the people and organisations working on, or towards, the objective's achievement.