Utilisation of indigenous knowledge of the environment and its flora and fauna is seen as fundamental to the preservation of biodiversity. Aboriginal communities must be able to access resources to address land management and needs arising from degradation of community land. Control and eradication of pest plants and animals should be carried out with the involvement, consent and control of land-owning communities. Indigenous people must participate in catchment management of both community lands and other lands in which groups have interest. Provision must be made for indigenous coastal communities to participate meaningfully in decisionmaking at the local, State and Commonwealth level.
Indigenous peoples have a range of interests in the management of forested areas.
These include issues relating to protection of the land and areas of significance, the use of forest resources for traditional products and contemporary development, and employment. Indigenous interests must be represented in Government decisionmaking relating to forest management. The development of cultural tourism and ecotourism has important implications for indigenous people. Unconsidered development can impact negatively upon natural areas, sites of significance and indigenous lifestyle. At the same time it can offer opportunities for indigenous economic development and employment.