Recognising culturally significant entities 

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Project start date: 01/10/2023
Project end date: 31/12/2026
NESP funding: $805,000 (GST exclusive)

Across Australia, many species and ecological communities hold deep cultural, spiritual and livelihood importance for Indigenous peoples. Yet these culturally significant entities (CSE) are rarely acknowledged in national policy, planning or conservation management systems.

Led by Indigenous researchers and guided by Traditional Custodians, this project has created Australia’s first national framework for defining, recognising and managing CSEs. By bringing Indigenous Knowledge systems and Western science together, the project aims to transform how biodiversity is valued and ensure that cultural significance becomes a core consideration in conservation planning and management.

The legislative and policy reform identified during the project will contribute to a future where the priorities, perspectives and governance models of Indigenous peoples guide how Australia cares for Country.

The project is now expanding into two priority areas:

  • developing a method to identify and protect CSE at risk from H5 bird flu, in partnership with Wudjari Elders from the Esperance (Kepa Kurl) Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (ETNTAC)
  • reviewing national and international biocultural monitoring methods to create a framework that embeds cultural values into monitoring and reporting.

Download the CSE Summary Report

Over 12 months, the project engaged with more than 300 people through six workshops, co-developed 24 case study examples with Indigenous Knowledge-holders across Australia, and worked under the direction of Indigenous Leadership Group and National Project Steering Committee to co-design and endorse the national definition of CSE.

Case Studies

Hover over markers to view case study details. Click a marker to keep the popup open.

Black bean - Bundjalung

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Black cockatoos - Noongar

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Bogong moth - Taungurung

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Brolga - Darumbal

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Brolga - Kamilaroi

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Coastal emu - Bundjalung

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Dingo - Bunurong

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Dingo - Jirrbal

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Fitzroy River Country - Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council

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Freshwater mussels - Gungarri

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Freshwater mussels - Nyikina

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Frog species - Bundjalung

Green turtle - Kimberley Saltwater People

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Kwongkan shrublands - Noongar - Peniup Reserve

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Macquarie Marshes - Wayilwan

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Murray cod - Kamilaroi

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Quandong - Martu - Birriliburu IPA

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Red mulga - Wangkumarra

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Sugarbag bees - Kombumerri

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WA Christmas tree - Noongar

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Waterholes - Martu - KJ

Western grey kangaroo - Noongar

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MapMap location
Distribution layer/sDistribution map source

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