More than 50 Indigenous land and sea management representatives from the Kimberley travelled to Darwin this week to attend the North Australia Savanna Fire Forum and National Indigenous Carbon Forum, as the region faces its largest fire season in more than a decade.

Held on Larrakia Country, the annual gathering brought together more than 500 Traditional Owners, rangers, scientists and industry leaders from across northern Australia to share knowledge and discuss the future of Indigenous-led fire and carbon projects.

Kimberley Land Council Deputy Chief Executive Officer Sarah Parriman told the forum Indigenous land managers were playing a critical role in tackling climate challenges while creating economic opportunities for remote communities.

"Indigenous-owned and managed carbon projects deliver real benefits — reducing emissions, strengthening our landscapes and creating sustainable jobs and economic opportunities in remote communities," Ms Parriman said.

The forums come at a critical time for northern Australia after more than 46 million hectares burned across the country's tropical savannas in 2025 — the largest fire season since 2012.

Northern Australia accounts for around 97 per cent of the nation's total burnt area.

Data from the North Australian Fire Information service shows the past three years have recorded the highest consecutive burn area in more than a decade.

Late dry season fires burn hotter and move faster, damaging trees, biodiversity and cultural sites.

In contrast, Indigenous ranger teams across the Kimberley use early dry season cultural burns, creating smaller fire scars that reduce fuel loads and help prevent destructive wildfires later in the year.

Rangers also assisted emergency services during major wildfire events last year, helping protect pastoral stations, keep key roads open and support tourism and regional economies.