Social Return on Investment analysis of the Girringun Indigenous Protected Area and associated Indigenous ranger programme

The Indigenous Protected Areas (IPA) and associated Indigenous ranger programmes have demonstrated successes across a broad range of outcome areas, effectively overcoming barriers to addressing Indigenous disadvantage and engaging Indigenous Australians in meaningful employment to achieve large scale conservation outcomes, thus aligning the interests of Indigenous Australians and the broader community.

The Girringun IPA and associated Indigenous ranger programme has provided an opportunity for Indigenous people from eight traditional owner groups in Northern Qld to actively manage their diverse land and sea country, and re-engage with culture and language through country.

Critical to the success of the Girringun IPA and associated Indigenous ranger programme is its co-management model, whereby Girringun Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) partners with Local, State and Federal Governments as well as numerous NGO and Research partners to achieve shared outcomes for country.

The IPA’s management team offers a culturally assured process to its partners – whereby the appropriate people are consulted about activities undertaken on country – and plays a leading role in the region as advisors, trainers and channels of support for other organisations.