The dedication of the Arafura Swamp Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) in Arnhem Land has officially secured one of northern Australia's most significant wetlands under Traditional Owner management.

The new IPA covers 1.3 million hectares of land and sea Country where Yolŋu, Bininj and Rembarrnga people hold sole Native Title rights. It includes the Arafura Swamp, one of northern Australia's largest wooded freshwater wetlands and home to threatened species such as the eastern curlew, northern quoll, and northern brushtail possum.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said the Northern Land Council and the Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal Corporation will work with Traditional Owners to manage the IPA under a plan that supports long-term cultural and environmental stewardship.

"First Nations people have cared for the Arafura Swamp for generations and this IPA dedication will help protect this vast wetland for future generations," Minister McCarthy said.

"Ensuring First Nations people are at the forefront of land and sea management and conservation is part of our commitment under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

"The first round expansion of our Indigenous Rangers Program included funding for new positions for women with the Arafura Swamp Rangers, which will provide additional support to care for this beautiful country."

Recognised as a Nationally Important Wetland, the Arafura Swamp is regarded as vital for both ecological conservation and the continuation of traditional land management practices.

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, said the Arafura Swamp IPA is one of 12 Indigenous Protected Areas established under the Albanese Government since 2022, which they say is part of its goal to protect 30 per cent of Australia's land by 2030.

He said the establishment of the IPA ensures the protection cultural and environmental values on Yolŋu, Bininj and Rembarrnga Country.

"The Arafura Swamp IPA adds an additional 1 million hectares of land to the National Reserve System which means close to 25 percent of Australia's total landmass is now protected," Mr Watt said.

"We want to see more Traditional Owners protecting more of their land, that's why we're supporting the establishment of new Indigenous Protected Areas through the $250 million Australian Bushland program."

Special Envoy for Remote Communities and Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour, said the dedication was the result of years of local collaboration and planning.

"This dedication follows a process of First Nations-led consultation and the development of a plan of management that will guide the caring for this remote Country into the future," she said.