Indigenous Protected Areas (IPA) Program - New and Expanding IPAs

The Program supports First Nations people to voluntarily dedicate and manage their land and sea Country for biodiversity conservation and the protection of cultural values. Indigenous Protected Areas (IPA) are recognised by the Australian Government as an important part of the National Reserve System (NRS) of Protected Areas1, and complementary to the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas.

The Program objective is to strengthen the conservation and protection of Australia’s environmental and cultural values through establishing and managing IPAs. The Program also contributes to social and economic benefits for First Nations people.

This program will establish at least 10 new IPAs and provide opportunities to expand the size of
existing IPAs.

The expected outcomes of the Program are:

• Australia’s NRS has increased and the condition of Australia’s environment across land and sea has improved.
• First Nations people are empowered to fulfil their custodial obligations over land and sea Country and achieve environmental, cultural, social, and economic benefits.
• Enhanced collaboration between First Nations people and partners and strengthen governance for the protection, conservation and sustainable management of Australia’s land and seascapes.