352 Monitoring Threatened Species and Ecological Communities
Rangers across the survey area. Six different Indigenous groups have been involved
with the project to-date, together surveying over 130 sites, and collecting over 1000
scat samples.
Although there are parallels between broader community engagement and
Indigenous engagement specifically, Indigenous groups may have different
objectives in any resource management program, and there may be cultural
sensitivities which must be respected. This case study shares insights from WWF’s
long-standing Indigenous partnerships on some of the most critical issues to
consider, and describe how these projects can lead to more diverse and
beneficial outcomes.
Establish and develop relationships
Before embarking on new projects, WWF aims to develop relationships with
Indigenous communities, Ranger groups and representative organisations,
understanding that building solid collaborations, meaningful engagement, and
developing mutual trust and respect takes time (Hoffmann et al. 2012). Initiating
new projects relies on various avenues of communication because each group
Fig. 27.3. Sensor camera training during rock-wallaby surveys. Photo: Chris Malam/Balanggarra Aboriginal
Corporation/WWF-Aus.