Queensland First Nations World Heritage Strategy

“Effective, direct, and meaningful representation and participation of Indigenous peoples at all stages and levels of decision-making related to the World Heritage Convention must be recognized, respected, enabled and ensured.”
(International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs, Copenhagen 2012).

The Queensland First Nations World Heritage Strategy (PDF, 30.9MB) was co-designed and developed with First Nations people and seeks to centre Country and people across all aspects of World Heritage.

The Strategy demonstrates how the Queensland Government will empower First Nations peoples and local communities to better identify, protect, conserve, present and transmit to future generations the irreplaceable values of World Heritage areas.

It contributes to delivering on Queensland’s obligations under the World Heritage Intergovernmental Agreement between the State and the Commonwealth, demonstrating the Queensland Government’s commitment to integrating First Nations rights, interests and knowledge into World Heritage nominations, governance, planning and management.

The strategy is anchored in the acknowledgement that First Nations peoples have cared for their Country for tens of thousands of years and continue to have rights, interests and responsibilities to care for Country and people, irrespective of determination of native title.

The Queensland Government acknowledges the cultural rights of First Nations peoples, and the invaluable and unique role of traditional knowledge and expertise in the conservation and management of World Heritage areas and their wider landscapes.