AWS staff and Angas Downs’ Indigenous Rangers sent a delegation to the International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, South Africa in Kimberley in October 2011. The theme of the Symposium was – The business of conservation – science, livelihoods and values. “The greatest contribution that wildlife ranching can make is in its extension to rural peoples throughout the world and the benefit from its sustainable use.”

Three papers were delivered:

George Wilson (Australian Wildlife Services) Status of wildlife ranching in Australia – an overview

Jennifer Smits, George Wilson, Tim Lander, Brad Lander, David Wongway and Darren Williamson  Indigenous land management for sustainable land and wildlife use on Angas Downs Indigenous Protected Area, Central Australia

George Wilson and Jennifer Smits (Australian Wildlife Services) Australian conservation through sustainable use of kangaroos

The Rangers were honoured guests at the Symposium with Ministers and delegates jumping at the chance for a photo with the group. They made a presentation on the types of land management they are undertaking and progress with their work on Angas Downs IPA and how it relates to cultural maintenance.

The Rangers  secured generous funding from the Mutitjulu Foundation to enable them to attend from Angas Downs Indigenous Protected Area, Northern Territory. Australian Government programs and Rotary Groups also supported the delegation. Other activities and learning adventures undertaken by Angas Downs Rangers in South Africa can be viewed here.