Pictured: Nyul Nyul Rangers at a controlled burn © Sophie Henderson DBCA
The statewide Climate Adaptation Strategy (2023) sets out core directions for how WA will adapt to climate change. The strategy was developed in consultation with Aboriginal people and other key stakeholders, and includes a key focus on strengthening the climate resilience of Aboriginal people and communities.
The strategy aims to support Aboriginal-led approaches to designing and developing local adaptation solutions, drawing on their deep knowledge of Country, traditional knowledge, and evidence-based science.
Other key focus areas in the strategy include:
- promoting clear climate information
- building public sector capability and accountability
- enhancing partnerships
- coordinating action through shared decision-making.
The strategy commits to embedding Aboriginal empowerment and supporting Aboriginal people to share their deep knowledge of the changing climate through opportunities for cultural mapping, on-Country consultations, sharing of traditional ecological knowledge, two-way science and collaboration. The strategy includes actions to:
- include Aboriginal-led research in the new Adaptation Research Hub
- learn from Aboriginal Rangers’ adaptation practices
- work with Aboriginal stakeholders and regional communities on a Climate Resilience Fund for Aboriginal-led adaptation projects
- develop an Aboriginal-led West Kimberley Climate Adaptation Strategy
- work with the Aboriginal Health Council of WA on adapting to climate change for health
- deliver climate-resilient water and power services to remote Aboriginal communities
- deliver the Remote Communities Fund for climate-resilient housing
- improve the climate resilience of airports in remote Aboriginal communities.
For more information, read the Climate Adaptation Strategy.
