Native title rights and ecotourism on Aboriginal lands

Abstract

Indigenous ecotourism enterprises and joint ventures are a growing trend in Australia. These include nature-based tours, cultural attractions, river cruises and accommodation owned by Indigenous groups. The ventures are mainly based on recognition of Aboriginal or Native Title rights and interests; jointly managed National Parks; and negotiated Indigenous Land Use Agreements. Aboriginal and conservation groups and park agencies all support ecotourism as a sustainable development option for Indigenous lands. This paper evaluates Indigenous participation in ecotourism and the changing roles of Indigenous people in state and territory plans for nature tourism and economic development. These roles now include Indigenous people as Native Title holders, traditional owners, land managers, business investment, park rangers, tourism operators and guides. Indigenous ecotourism ventures thus present Aboriginal culture to visitors, re-assert Aboriginal control over traditional land areas and generate some economic benefits from customary lands and culture. Hence, this paper also applies a framework for Indigenous ecotourism that considers environmental, cultural, economic and political aspects of Indigenous involvement in tourism. This analysis indicates that nature tourism plans recognise the need for consultation about Indigenous cultural heritage and environmental relationships, but offer limited support for Indigenous groups to develop and manage ecotourism as Native Title holders.