Wetland Management Tools & Techniques
The Bundjalung Mapping Project
The Bundjalung Mapping project (BMP) is a joint venture between Southern Cross University School of Environmental Science and Management, the Bundjalung Nation Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Natural Resource Management Committee, Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, and Department of Environment and Conservation National Parks and Wildlife Division
The project has seen the creation of a highly secured, user-friendly computer-based record keeping system through which Aboriginal communities can record and own their cultural knowledge. It has suite of web based tools to support the user in understanding protocols, an overview of Aboriginal cultural heritage and procedures to take when accessing information on Aboriginal significant sites and places.
It is designed to be administered and controlled by Aboriginal communities, with important or significant information only able to be accessed by those persons as delegated by the local Aboriginal community.
Communities can record oral, visual and written histories, photographs, films and any other kind of digital media about their cultural places and landscapes and file them on the database for the benefit of future generations. It is a major reference tool when undertaking planning for NRM and future development, especially in the arena of local government. The website is expected to go live in April 2007.
For further information, contact, Dr David Lloyd; Southern Cross University School of Environmental Science and Management on david.lloyd@scu.edu.au or phone 02 66 269401.
Other members of the BMP team include Associate Professor Bill Boyd, Bill Walker, Ian Fox, Greg Luker and Rob Learmonth.
Related Articles: Developing Protocols for Engaging Aboriginal People in NRM Planning in the Northern Rivers Region
