Our commitment to preserving the Ngaanyatjarra Lands is built on generations of stewardship, guided by Tjukurrpa — the Law and stories passed down from ancestors who first traversed these lands.
Working hand-in-hand with Traditional Owners, we support community-led initiatives to sustain the resources, culture, and natural heritage of these vast landscapes.
The knowledge and practices shared by senior Traditional Owners underpin all our activities, allowing us to nurture and protect Country. This year, a primary focus has been extending fieldwork into remote regions to help maintain areas at risk of becoming ngurra mungutja (forgotten Country). Together with the Ngaanyatjarra Ranger and Indigenous Desert Alliance programs, our collaborative efforts have enabled controlled burning, preservation of water resources, and essential track maintenance across the lands, empowering 447 Traditional Owners in caring for these special places.
Water Management
Water is life on the Ngaanyatjarra Lands, where we prioritize rock hole restoration and bore maintenance to support safe access across the Country. Ranger teams cleaned 16 rock holes, often through intensive manual labor, and repaired 13 bores critical for reliable water access. Working alongside Traditional Owners, these efforts preserve essential stories and deepen connection to these vital sites.
Conserving Threatened Species
This year, we expanded efforts to monitor and protect threatened species like Tjakura (Great Desert Skink) and Ninu (Greater Bilby). Through our collaboration with the Indigenous Desert Alliance and the Mulyamiji March program, rangers identified 87 Tjakura burrows and monitored numerous Ninu sites, supporting the National Recovery Plan and fostering community knowledge among younger generations.
Fire Management
Cool-season patch burning creates a mosaic of vegetation that reduces wildfire risk and preserves habitats. This year, Ranger teams conducted 36 patch-burning trips, and senior knowledge holders led two major aerial burning initiatives. Training in aerial incendiary techniques enabled Traditional Owners to contribute directly to these efforts, strengthening ties to the land.
Through dedication and collaboration, we honor our shared responsibility to look after Ngaanyatjarra Country. Together, we serve the lands and “keep the story going,” ensuring that future generations can stay strong on Country.
