National Parks and Wildlife Service has employed 15 new Aboriginal park rangers as part of a $5 million initiative to increase First Nations' management of South Australia's natural environment.
The new rangers have been employed to work in national parks across the state including in the Limestone Coast, Eyre Peninsula, Far West Coast, Flinders Ranges, Kangaroo Island and Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges.
The initiative, now entering its third year, draws on Aboriginal expertise and knowledge in caring for Country.
The rangers support park conservation and management activities, maintain park facilities, and participate in fire and emergency response. They also play an key role in maintaining and sustaining cultural sites and language.
NPWS Fleurieu Peninsula Ranger Ashley Millar, who was employed through the program about two years ago, said the job had provided him amazing opportunities to experience his region.
"As a Ngarrindjeri man, it has been a pleasure over the last two years to be working on Country and looking after the land and water," he told Environment SA News.
"The Fleurieu Peninsula is a special place, and I have had amazing opportunities to see the best parts. In my role as a ranger, I have been able to really immerse myself in biodiversity work.
"I have been part of a number of programs, including a 20-year program supporting seabirds on West Island, south of Encounter Bay, and planting nationally vulnerable Hindmarsh correa plants as part of the Hindmarsh Valley Hotspot Project."
Mr Millar said working alongside "a great community of volunteers, including volunteer rangers, Friends of Parks and Nature and other groups" was another positive element of the program.
"They dedicate lots of time and work with us in partnership on large scale projects like revegetation," he said.
The South Australian government describes the Aboriginal Rangers Program as part of its "broader commitment" to ensure greater involvement of Aboriginal people in the management of protected areas and enhance the capability of the National Parks and Wildlife Service to manage national parks.
Other elements include a co-management model for some national parks, creating a partnership between the state government and Aboriginal groups that combines traditional knowledge with contemporary park management.
The government said the co-management of parks also plays "an important role" in advancing the reconciliation process and managing matters relating to traditional land ownership.
There are 12 co-management agreements in place over 35 of South Australia's parks and reserves, covering 13.5 million hectares or 64 per cent of the reserve system, which equates to 13 per cent of the land area of South Australia.
