Executive Summary
The Bardi Jawi, Mayala and Dambeemangarddee are the owners, managers, and custodians of their sea country. The proposed marine parks for the Buccaneer Archipelago and surrounds reference the Bardi Jawi Protected Area Management Plan 2013 – 2023, the Mayala Country Plan, and the Dambeemangarddee Healthy Country Plan 2012-2022 as primary sources to better understand the values, aspirations and management objectives of Traditional Owners. In putting forward this submission to the indicative joint management plans (‘the plans’) we attempt to provide comments and possible improvements to the plans that can further the visions of Traditional Owners for their management of their country.
Equally, under the Plan for our Parks initiative, a key priority of the Western Australian Government is to ‘protect WA’s unique natural environment and leave a positive environmental legacy for future generations’ [2].
The 3 new marine parks proposed for the Buccaneer Archipelago and surrounds all have important roles to play in achieving these aspirations. They represent a major achievement by Traditional Owners and the Western Australian Government. The plans contain intelligent, thoughtful, and far-reaching proposals for the protection of key parts of the cultural and natural heritage of the Kimberley.
In this submission the Centre for Conservation Geography identifies major achievements of the plans and opportunities for improvement based on world’s best practice for protected areas. With outstanding cultural and natural values and iconic tourism assets, the marine parks of the Buccaneer Archipelago and surrounds have the potential to become some of Western Australia’s most important protected areas.
Summary Report
The Centre for Conservation Geography sees potential for improvements to (1) sanctuary zone design and (2) changes to restrict destructive activities within the marine parks.
