National Indigenous Times features milestone for First Nations-led climate action

Savanna burning on a Corporate Carbon Group property.

First Nations leadership continues to shape Australia’s climate future. In a recent article in the National Indigenous Times (NIT), Corporate Carbon Group Managing Director Gary Wyatt reflected on the significance of new savanna burning methods entering public consultation.  This marks a major step for Indigenous-led climate action and is one of the more important reforms to the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme in recent years.

"This is an important milestone for savanna fire management projects, which deliver significant climate, biodiversity and cultural outcomes in remote Australia," he said. "Credible, updated methods will give confidence to investors, support ongoing community benefits, and strengthen the role of Indigenous-led burning in meeting Australia's climate goals.”

As NIT journalist Alexandra Giorgianni reported, the updated methods were developed through close collaboration between the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and First Nations groups such as the Indigenous Carbon Industry Network, Kimberley Land Council, and Arnhem Land Fire Abatement.

They combine decades of First Nations land management expertise with modern science, recognising the critical role of cultural fire practices not only in reducing emissions but also in protecting Country and supporting biodiversity.

The article noted CCG’s perspective on how these new methods could unlock millions of additional carbon credits over the next decade, directly targeting Australia's 2030 and 2050 emissions reduction goals: “With broader crediting and increased uptake, the updated methods are expected to expand these benefits by creating more ranger jobs, strengthening cultural burning, and investing in community-led solutions to climate change.”

By opening the door for greater participation, the methods have the potential to build stronger local economies and ensure the benefits of climate action are felt in communities that are already leading on the ground.

"These methods are a practical pathway to climate integrity and regional resilience... we're proud to support their development and look forward to seeing them finalised," concluded Mr. Wyatt.