Carbon farming training takes place on Yawuru Country for first time

The Aboriginal Carbon Foundation brought together local Aboriginal leaders from across the Kimberley for national accredited carbon farming training in Broome from September 15 to 19.

Carbon farming is the process of increasing the carbon stored in soil and vegetation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities.

Typical methods of carbon farming in the Kimberley include savanna burning led by Aboriginal rangers which reduces the chance of bushfires that produce large amounts of carbon emissions.

The reduction in emissions is measured and used to obtain carbon credits, which can then be sold to third parties.

Aboriginal Carbon Foundation chief executive Rowan Foley said it marked the first time nationally accredited carbon farming training has been delivered on Yawuru Country.

“This is history in the making,” he said.

“It’s a powerful moment because it strengthens Indigenous leadership in carbon farming and ensures that Traditional Owner voices remain at the centre of Australia’s carbon future.”

Leaders representing the Dambimangari Traditional Owners and Rangers, Wilinggin Traditional Owners and Senior Rangers, Balanggarra Traditional Owners and Directors, Kwini Rangers, joined staff from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for the four days of training at Lotteries House in Broome.

Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation chair Darryl Smith said the training was an important opportunity for local rangers to build their skills and share knowledge with their communities.

“I want to thank the Kwini Rangers for participating in the training on behalf of Balanggarra,” he said.

“It was good to see the rangers joining in the course, they got a lot out of it, and they then can take what they have learnt back to the community. They can now work with other organisations and develop those skills in carbon farming.”