Locations: Narran Lakes, NSW and Barmah/Moira Lakes, Victoria and NSW
Indigenous leads: Sonia Cooper, Yorta Yorta and Jason Wilson, Yuwaalaraay/Euahlayi
Science leads: Christine Chung, NESP Climate Systems Hub
Team members:
- Ebony Joachim
- Lee Joachim
- D Kirono
- Stephanie Walker
- Rhonda Ashby
- Auntie Brenda McBride
What we’re doing
First Nations communities have long used songlines and oral stories to track climate patterns. This case study draws on these knowledge systems and climate science to explore the impacts of floods and droughts on ecosystems, communities and Country.
Why it matters
Extreme wet and dry events are becoming more frequent and intense in some regions. Understanding the positive and negative impacts of these events through both scientific and Indigenous perspectives can enhance resilience and inform planning.
What we’ve found
The impacts of big wet and big dry on Country and culture.
Changes:
- Less rainfall and extended dry periods
- Changes in the timing and patterns of water across landscapes
Case study focus
- Build shared understanding of big wet and big dry by connecting Indigenous knowledge and Western science
- Identify on-Country indicators and changes over time
- Understand how changes in extreme wet and dry events affect Country and communities
- Support community decision-making to manage climate impacts
- Contribute Indigenous-led research to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Impacts
Narran and Barmah lakes Country experience frequent swings between wet and dry extremes. The impacts of these swings on
Country include:
- Damage to cultural sites, (middens, artifact scatter, scarred trees and birthing places)
- Riverbank erosion and sediment movement, causing biodiversity loss
- Traditional Owners once managed these natural swings without major issues, but with climate change and aging
infrastructure, those same swings are now causing significant damage and disruption. - Altered waterways and cultural heritage from water infrastructure and management
- Reconnection of water systems may occur after big wet events
Next steps
- Continue on-Country engagement and community-led research
- Investigate climate indicators and changes in wet and dry events
- Develop Indigenous-led publications and outputs
- Inform climate policy and IPCC reporting
Back to Project 5.10 Indigenous-led literature and products to inform national and international processes on climate action