At the heart of Trust for Nature’s work lies a commitment to meaningful engagement and respect for Indigenous knowledge and perspectives when caring for Country

As we transition into a new phase, our approach will be guided by principles of cultural sensitivity, reciprocity, and mutual respect. By actively involving First Peoples stakeholders in decision-making processes, we want to ensure that our initiatives are aligned with Indigenous priorities and aspirations.

In our ongoing commitment to listening and learning, land justice and stronger recognition of First Peoples, we recently updated our deed for conservation covenants to be more explicit about Traditional Owners’ custodianship of Country

After several years of consultation, the new deed provides more opportunities for cultural practices on covenanted properties, such as cultural burning, where there is mutual consent by landholders and Traditional Owners.

It acknowledges Traditional Owners as the original custodians of Victoria’s land and waters, recognises their unique ability to care for Country and aims to promote new pathways for collaboration, access to land and cultural practices, where there is shared capacity and will to do so.

These changes aim to foster collaboration and self-determination while ensuring conservation values are upheld. This is a small but important step to enabling opportunities for First Peoples through our work.  

As we reflect on our journey, we reflect on the importance of continued dialogue and partnership with First Peoples. We remain committed to upholding their rights and aspirations and look forward to furthering our collaborative efforts in the years to come.

Thank you to all our partners for their invaluable contributions, and to our supporters and stakeholders for their continued commitment to Indigenous engagement and empowerment.

Through collaborative efforts, we will continue to foster meaningful relationships built on trust, transparency, and shared goals.