Indigenous knowledge & eDNA unite for climate resilience in Australia

A national initiative is combining environmental DNA (eDNA) technology with Traditional Owner knowledge to support biodiversity monitoring and climate-resilient conservation across Australia.

The project, led by EnviroDNA in partnership with Traditional Owner groups such as the Gunditjmara people of southwest Victoria, aims to put Indigenous communities in charge of collecting and managing their own environmental data. This approach seeks to blend cultural leadership with ecological monitoring technologies.

Integrated approach

Centred around the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, which is recognised as a World Heritage site and home to the world's oldest known aquaculture system, the initiative operates in partnership with the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. The program deploys eDNA analysis to identify aquatic species and monitor ecosystem health, with the intention of supporting both environmental and cultural priorities.

Nicky Hudson, Water Officer at Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, spoke about the significance of the initiative. "It's our obligation to protect what our ancestors left for us. They planted the seeds and paved the path for us to walk in harmony with Country," she said.

"We read Country. It tells us what it needs, and when to step in to help it heal from pollution and unnatural changes. Our connection is ongoing. We'll always care for our Country."

Data governance and community leadership

The conservation programme is designed to allow Traditional Owner ranger groups and cultural advisers to lead at all stages. Data collection and management are kept under local governance, ensuring decisions are aligned with community values and cultural significance. Hudson encouraged similar approaches for other Indigenous groups.

"I encourage all Traditional Owners to start the conversation around adding eDNA as a monitoring tool for your Country," Ms Hudson said. "It is a great way to identify and detect what aquatic species, flora and fauna are within your area that you may not be able to detect using other monitoring methods."

Early results

Initial surveys at Budj Bim using eDNA have already identified 53 species, contributing information that is helping local rangers plan long-term fisheries management and habitat restoration projects. Hudson described the partnership with EnviroDNA as supportive and responsive to community needs.

"Partnering with EnviroDNA to monitor the health of our waterways has been a valuable investment. They've supported us every step of the way and worked closely with us to build a program that reflects our needs and traditional values."

She added, "Sharing knowledge between our organisations helps us both to understand and track changes over time, when talking about climate change and how we can assist our wildlife and Country to thrive in an ever-changing world."

National and global context

Jim Stuart, Chief Executive Officer at EnviroDNA, described the collaboration as an important step for conservation, climate resilience, and reconciliation efforts in Australia.

"This is what climate-resilient conservation looks like: First Nations-led, grounded in Country, and powered by science."

Stuart said, "The Budj Bim program is a foundational example of what's possible when knowledge systems work together."

He also noted that the success at Budj Bim aligns with a global shift to Indigenous-led climate and environmental stewardship. "We're already seeing this model work extremely well across the globe – in places like South America and North America – so the question isn't if corporate and government Australia should back it, but when," he stated.

Broader impacts

The programme has created new employment opportunities, strengthened local decision-making, and supported ecosystem restoration in culturally appropriate ways. As its scope expands nationally, the collaboration has also been seen as a means for the broader recognition and support of Indigenous science and management approaches.

Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and EnviroDNA have called on governments, funders, and industry to continue and expand backing for such First Nations-led conservation initiatives.

"The time to get it right is now," Stuart said. "This is what climate-resilient conservation looks like: First Nations-led, grounded in Country, and powered by EnviroDNA science".