The journey of the World Indigenous Network (WIN) began on a warm day in August 2011, when two men, sitting on the shores of the beautiful Sunday Island, part of the Buccaneer Archipelago in the West Kimberley of Western Australia, talked about the idea of an international knowledge sharing network for Indigenous land and sea managers.
They formed a partnership that day, with a desire to share their vision with the world.
These two men were Tony Burke, the Australian Government Environment Minister and Wayne Bergmann, the CEO of KRED Enterprises. The Kimberley Land Council in Western Australia established KRED to seek out and develop business and job opportunities for the Kimberley Aboriginal people.
Since that day in August 2011, the journey has gathered momentum and in June 2012, the Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard with the support of Brazil, New Zealand and Norway, launched the Network at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio +20) in Brazil.
The Australian Government established a National Advisory Group to support and provide strategic advice and direction for the WIN and WIN Conference in 2013. The group’s membership comprises of representatives from key Indigenous organisations around Australia.
The Australian Government and the National Advisory Group continue to build relationships and encourage support from other countries, international and non-government organisations to be part of the WIN journey.
As custodians of knowledge and expertise, the World Indigenous Network will bring together Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities land and sea managers to share stories, knowledge, cultural experiences and ideas to better manage ecosystems, protect the environment and support sustainable livelihoods.
The overall aim of the World Indigenous Network is to encourage:
- better conservation of biological diversity and sustainable use of natural resources
- improved social cohesion
- increased economic opportunities and the alleviation of poverty.
The Network will increase the profile of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities land and sea managers around the world. It is also about getting people to recognise that Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities attachment to country, their environment is underpinned by cultural obligation and responsibility when undertaking environmental protection and conservation, which is essentially for the world’s good.
Melissa George, Co-Chair, WIN National Advisory Group
Australian Environment Minister, Tony Burke welcomes you to the World Indigenous Network.
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