- Wet Tropics Management
- Legislative framework
- Management partnerships
- Sustainable Tourism Plan
- Threats to the Area
- Research and a Learning Landscape
- How can I help?
Gaining an insight into the cultural landscape of Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (the Area) is now possible with a new interactive map launched at an event today at the Cairns Convention Centre.
Working closely with eight Traditional Custodian groups, the Wet Tropics Management Authority (the Authority) and the award-winning, First Nations-led, not-for-profit SharingStories Foundation developed the Rainforest People Country Culture story map which showcases the Area through the eyes and voices of Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples.
The Chair of the Authority and Eastern Kuku Yalanji Elder Chrissy Grant said this innovative project will bring you closer to the heart of the Wet Tropics—prepare to be inspired, captivated and uplifted by the stories of Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples.
“We invite you to take a journey with us through a series of spectacular videos that share Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ ongoing connection to Country.”
Supported by close to $400,000 in Australian Government funding through the Australian Heritage Grants Program, Ms Grant said this initiative will grow appreciation of the National Heritage-listed Indigenous cultural values of the Wet Tropics and educate visitors on a range of themes, including best practice principles for engagement, caring for Country and culturally appropriate protocols when visiting rainforest Country.
“This project is an important step forward. One that is built on the foundations of respect for the oldest continuing culture in the world, that embeds an Indigenous voice, and that has been designed and developed by Traditional Custodians,” Ms Grant said.
Senator for Queensland Nita Green said it’s important that Traditional Owners are recognised for their critical role in the conservation of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
“Congratulations to everyone involved in the creation of this interactive map. It is another way the history and culture of the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples, who have been living in the rainforests of the Wet Tropics region for many thousands of years, can be shared with locals and visitors,” Senator Green said.
“We all have a role to play in protecting our precious natural and cultural sites and it is important we have tools like this to help us better understand the incredible values within our beautiful Wet Tropics region.”
Sharon Williams, Pitta Pitta woman and CEO of SharingStories Foundation, said “I’m sure every person who visits the Rainforest People Country Culture interactive map will be captivated by the incredible imagery and enthralled by the Custodians who have so generously shared their cultural knowledge.
“It has been an honour to work alongside and collaborate with the Wet Tropics Management Authority and Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples to co-create this work that showcases the rich cultural beauty of North Queensland,” Ms Williams said.
One of the video interviewees, Sonya Takau, Jirrbal Traditional Owner, said if you want to learn about the rainforests of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, the best people to speak to are the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples.
“You’ll get to see a rainforest world through the eyes of the first people who have lived here in one place for thousands and thousands of years,” Ms Takau said.
Watch the Rainforest People Country Culture project promo video here.
View the Rainforest People Country Culture interactive map here.
