The Federal Government's bid to have the Burrup Peninsula recognised for a UNESCO World Heritage listing sends a strong message about the area's cultural and environmental importance, says Greenpeace Australia Pacific.
Greenpeace welcomes the nomination, which was prepared by the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, to have the Murujuga National Park/Burrup Peninsula recognised as a World Heritage site, considering its immense cultural significance.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO David Ritter says the listing is a testament to the years of work by the traditional custodian groups of Murujuga.
"The peninsula is an incredibly significant site for the traditional custodian groups of Murujuga, so today's announcement is important for its ongoing protection," he said.
"Having the backing of a UNESCO World Heritage status would help safeguard the area's cultural heritage, artefacts and landscape."
The proposed boundary covers nearly 100,000 hectares of land and sea country.
Mr Ritter said the government's commitment to work with traditional custodians will ensure the culturally rich area has the protection and recognition it deserves.
"The vastness of the area means much of the region's unique marine and terrestrial environments will be rightly protected and recognised for its enduring cultural and spiritual significance," he said.
"Off the coast is an important whale migration route, so a listing including land and sea country will have wide-reaching benefits for various species and ecosystems."
