News & Events
The Desert Knowledge CRC research projects involving Professor Donna Craig
and MU-CEL are as follows:
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A review of Indigenous Framework Agreements and Constitutional developments to Develop a Central Australian Framework Agreement
A review of Indigenous Framework Agreements and Constitutional developments in the International context to identify benchmarks for the development of a model Central Australia Framework Agreement through a process of stakeholder participation.
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Traditional Knowledge/Intellectual Property Scoping Project
This project aims to bridge the gap between what is happening at the local level and the policies being developed at the national and international level in regards to Traditional Knowledge.
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Exploring ways of strengthening DK-CRC structures, processes and mechanism for recognizing and protecting Indigenous traditional knowledge, and ensuring Indigenous communities share equally in any benefits arising from the wider use of their knowledge systems.
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Examining measures for protection and appropriate sharing of Indigenous traditional knowledge at the community level including:
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Protocols, codes of ethics and guidelines;
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Private law-making, including contracts and agreements;
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Prior informed consent mechanisms in international standard setting, Indigenous rights, community level case studies and best practice models.
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Recognition of Indigenous rights and cultural knowledge in the management of inland waters
This project:
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demonstrates cultural values through case studies that a) develop methodologies to record, convey and store traditional knowledge, b) investigate avenues for combining traditional and scientific knowledge in management processes, and c) that build capacity and methodologies for combining western and traditional knowledge
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produces a bench mark document from Global and National legislation, covenants and agreements that establishes the basis for recognition of values and rights, and opportunities for improvement;
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explores how customary practises and rights can be maintained through agreements and natural resource management processes, and how Indigenous people can better participate in decision making and make economic gain from water.
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Recognising Indigenous water rights and values in structure, process and legislation
A critical step in having Indigenous rights to water recognised is demonstration of ‘primary’ cultural values eg spiritual connection, traditional ecological knowledge and governance of water, and the significance of surface and groundwater dependent ecosystems to cultural identity. ‘Secondary’ cultural values can be described as those associated with equal access to water for domestic use and economic gain. Acceptance of these values, and rights, into contemporary water management involves 3 streams of research.
Firstly, working with indigenous people and providing traineeships to record, store and convey knowledge in appropriate formats that also demonstrates to the wider community the immense depth of understanding and connections to water that lies at the heart of Indigenous culture.
Secondly, determining existing Indigenous rights through examining International and domestic law and management processes. Precedents set down through negotiated agreements across the globe will also assist in finding mechanisms to achieve better outcomes.
Lastly, for all partners to work closely with Government to find ways for values and rights to be better recognised and incorporated into government structures and process that may include legislative reform.