Cool Burning - Traditional Land Management

Australians know all too well the devastating effects of fire on this nation, its landscape and its inhabitants. In this fascinating study, we’ll investigate the ancient land management strategy of burning off dangerous fuel loads in Australia’s tropical savanna regions. Through collaboration between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and ecological scientists, this country is leading the way forward in hazard reduction through cool burning.

In this exciting unit, students will explore and develop their understanding of new concepts, then use and consolidate their new knowledge to form their own conclusions about cool burning.

“What is wonderful about this curriculum is that it teaches the importance of Indigenous knowledge in land management which has existed throughout history and which continues today. This teaching tool will build students’ understanding of the cultural, spiritual, economic and environmental benefits that this knowledge brings to both the people and the landscape in which we all live.”

– Michael Looker, The Nature Conservancy

Cool.org would like to acknowledge the support of the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance Ltd (NAILSMA) in creating these resources.

The photos in this unit are from the book ‘Fire and the Story of Burning Country’. To purchase a copy, visit www.petermcconchie.com.au