Factors enabling fire management outcomes in Indigenous Savanna fire management projects in Western Australia

Abstract

Background

Balanggarra, Dambimangari, Wilinggin and Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners in Western Australia operate Savanna Fire Management projects under the collective North Kimberley Fire Abatement Project.

Aims

We examine changes to the fire regime before and after the initiation of these projects and discuss implications for incentivising savanna fire management.

Methods

Using established methods and high-resolution imagery, we compared fire metrics between baseline (2001–2011) and project years (2012–2022).

Key results

Fire seasonality notably shifted from late to early dry season dominance with fewer late season fires across, resulting in carbon abatement. While total area burnt remained similar, annual fire pattern transitioned from a cyclical to less variable regime. Fire patchiness, fire age diversity, and area of long unburnt vegetation increased while fire frequency decreased. A minimum of 4 years of fire management was required before significant changes in fire metrics were observed.

Conclusions

The fire regime on Traditional Owner lands has improved significantly, enabled by the emergence of land and sea management, carbon markets, support of partner agencies, and the securing of land rights.

Implications

Beyond carbon credits, access to technology holds promise for sustained improvements to adaptive fire management built on strong foundations of traditional burning practices.