You Can’t Separate Country and People: Collaborative conservation projects that integrate ecological science with traditional language and knowledge

Western knowledge systems traditionally segregate science and humanities into different academic schools, yet this separation often results in poor environmental conservation outcomes and does not fit with Aboriginal knowledge systems of country. The Kimberley Nature Project coordinates cultural natural resource management projects that integrate Western science with traditional language, knowledge, culture and governance. Examples will be given from collaborative projects with the Bardi Jawi Rangers from the Dampier Peninsula, and the Bunuba Rangers from Fitzroy Crossing