The Umpila Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) has been officially dedicated, supporting First Nations-led conservation in Cape York Peninsula.
The dedication was celebrated with a community ceremony in Lockhart River.
The IPA covers 42,803 hectares and sits within one of Australia's most biodiverse landscapes. It protects:
- rainforest
- heathlands
- wetlands
- mangroves
- seagrass beds.
The dedication strengthens ecosystem connectivity across Cape York. The IPA links with Kulla (McIlwraith Range) and Oyala Thumptang national parks, creating a larger protected landscape.
The IPA is home to many significant native species, including:
- southern cassowary
- palm cockatoo
- McIlwraith leaf-tailed gecko
- green python
- dugong
- several marine turtle species.
Umpila Traditional Owners will manage the IPA, using cultural knowledge and traditional practices to care for Country.
Management activities will include:
- biodiversity monitoring
- protection of cultural sites
- right-way fire management
- feral animal and weed control
- visitor management.
Indigenous Protected Areas now make up more than half of Australia's protected land.
