An indigenous role in partnerships for sustainable homelands occupation in Australia

This project investigates partnerships for environmentally sustainable development (ESD) in a remote part of Australia, from the perspective of indigenous groups, through grounded research involving priority setting, implementation trials and evaluation. By exemplifying the role of the indigenous non-government organizations (INGOs) and local clan representatives, recommendations for partnership design that enhance equity in partner engagement are suggested. Formalized roles for indigenous groups in communication, social planning and structural systems support can advance the social and cultural dimensions of ESD. Persons in communication roles might design communication tools and awareness raising material, or demonstrate technical equipment. Persons in social planning roles might coordinate and implement plans, and advise institutions about equitable programme design solutions. Persons in structural systems support roles could facilitate action learning, articulate citizen policy solutions and funding priorities and map spatial and structural boundaries and networks for environmental decision making. A person dedicated to each language group is advocated. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.