Indigenous-led fire management projects reducing emissions, reviving culture: Forum

Free read: A sold-out fire management forum in Darwin highlights how Indigenous-led savanna burning is delivering environmental, economic, and cultural benefits.

Dr Dean Yibarbuk speaking at the North Australia Savanna Fire Forum 2025. Picture: ICIN / Supplied.

A world-leading Indigenous fire management industry is taking centre stage at this week’s North Australia Savanna Fire Forum, where experts, rangers, and policymakers are gathering to discuss the growing success of traditional burning practices.

Hosted by the Indigenous Carbon Industry Network (ICIN) and held on Larrakia Country in Darwin, the sold-out forum has drawn 500 attendees from more than 110 organisations.

Now in its seventh year, the event highlights how Indigenous-led fire projects are not only reducing emissions but also protecting culture and boosting local economies.

“The carbon projects owned by our member organisations are homegrown,” said ICIN Co-Chair Dr Dean Yibarbuk.

“They are created and driven by Indigenous people from those project areas.

“These projects are not just economic ventures – they are deeply cultural.”

Using traditional burning techniques to prevent destructive wildfires, Indigenous ranger groups have helped abate around 1.2 million tonnes of greenhouse gases annually – equivalent to six per cent of the Northern Territory’s total emissions.

Since 2012, these projects have generated 7.6 million Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), reinforcing their economic value.

Northern Territory Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment, Joshua Burgoyne, underscored the global significance of these projects.

“North Australian fire management practitioners are recognised as world leaders in fire management,” he said.

“Satellite imagery shows the benefits of significantly reducing hot, late-season fires, and this is a direct result of Indigenous-led savanna burning projects.”

With 35 registered Savanna Burning projects in the NT – 24 of which are active – their impact extends beyond emissions reduction.

For Dr Yibarbuk, the resurgence of traditional fire management is deeply personal.

“Before these projects, our Elders were sad that the land was empty. But now, people have come back to Country,” he said.

“I walk with them.”