Yambulla and Black Duck Foods

Conservation Futures is proud to be working with Yambulla and Black Duck Foods to explore collaborative and future orientated land-management practices. The project involves consensus building around gathering culturally appropriate, ecological and biodiversity data.

The project focuses on 1500 hectares of mixed sclerophyll woodlands, grasslands and plantation which is known as “border country” of the Yuin, Nagarigo and Bidhawal People. Jim Osborne, of Yambulla understands the value of inviting First Nations people back on Country from which they were removed during colonisation. The focus is to work together to provide a better future for the next generation. The relationship between Yambulla and Black Duck Foods is one of mutual respect and knowledge sharing. 

Black Duck Foods' vision is to re-develop traditional food growing and management of Country for the economic benefit of First Nations people and Country.

Conservation Futures on Country burn for Yambulla and Black Duck Foods partnership

Black Duck Foods' vision is to re-develop traditional food growing and management of Country for the economic benefit of First Nations people and Country. Through researching the ways of their Elders and their interaction with Country, they aim to share this knowledge with culturally appropriate First Nations people and with the wider community for better economic, ecological and cultural outcomes. 

Conservation Futures, Black Duck Foods and Yambulla representatives on Country

So far, Conservation Futures, Black Duck Foods and Yambulla representatives have undertaken their first face to face workshop on Yambulla Country. This workshop was successful, each representative shared their aspirations for Country, as well as aligning values and purpose. Conservation Futures and Yambulla with approval from Elders and key First Nations decision makers, aim to employ a First Nations Research Assistant to assist with gathering and storing culturally appropriate data for the Knowledge System.  

The outcomes sought from this collaboration include: 

  • First Nations custodians and forward thinking landholders create a space to collaborate and make joint decisions about Country based on sourced data.

  • Undertake the first small scale property case study for the Conservation Futures knowledge system. 

  • Build capability on the ground around the importance of data as well as  appropriate data sharing in relation to respecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property.

  • Understanding the social and ecological effects of colonisation at a property scale and providing opportunities for informed land management activities.   

Aerial image courtesy of Jim Osborne, group photo courtesy of Rebecca Spindler