Community
Aboriginal people are the traditional owners of the Kakadu. Aboriginal people are called Bininj in the north of the park and Mungguy in the south. Some of them live in Kakadu's towns and others live in more remote parts of the park, but all have a deep spiritual connection to the park.
The land and its people have always been linked. Caring for the land and its wildlife is fundamental to the Aboriginal culture. Art, language, ceremonies, kinship and caring for the land are all aspects of cultural responsibility that Aboriginals have passed from one generation to the next.
Half of the Kakadu National Park is owned by Aboriginal people who lease it back to the Director of National Parks to be used as a national park. The other half is owned by the commonwealth. Many Aboriginal people are employed by National Parks to assist with management.
Threats
Human impacts have been significant on the Kakadu. There have been introductions of non native animals and plants by humans. For example the Water Buffalo from South East Asia caused damage to the fragile floodplains and wetlands. Luckily there are hardly any left and the land is recovering.
The Kakadu is rich in Uranium and there are mines that still operate. This is controversial because it has provided employment for the community but also has a large impact on the landscape.
Tourism has a significant human impact. The Kakadu is a popular tourist destination and infrastructure has to be maintained to cater for so many tourists.
I think its important to find the right balance between mining, tourism and conservation of the Kakadu area. Mining and tourism provides jobs for many people so that they can make a living in the place they love. We need to put management strategies in place so we can enjoy the Kakadu for many more years to come.
The land and its people have always been linked. Caring for the land and its wildlife is fundamental to the Aboriginal culture. Art, language, ceremonies, kinship and caring for the land are all aspects of cultural responsibility that Aboriginals have passed from one generation to the next.
Half of the Kakadu National Park is owned by Aboriginal people who lease it back to the Director of National Parks to be used as a national park. The other half is owned by the commonwealth. Many Aboriginal people are employed by National Parks to assist with management.
Threats
Human impacts have been significant on the Kakadu. There have been introductions of non native animals and plants by humans. For example the Water Buffalo from South East Asia caused damage to the fragile floodplains and wetlands. Luckily there are hardly any left and the land is recovering.
The Kakadu is rich in Uranium and there are mines that still operate. This is controversial because it has provided employment for the community but also has a large impact on the landscape.
Tourism has a significant human impact. The Kakadu is a popular tourist destination and infrastructure has to be maintained to cater for so many tourists.
I think its important to find the right balance between mining, tourism and conservation of the Kakadu area. Mining and tourism provides jobs for many people so that they can make a living in the place they love. We need to put management strategies in place so we can enjoy the Kakadu for many more years to come.