The article highlights the challenges faced by Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) in Australia, which are underfunded compared to non-Indigenous managed areas like national parks.Despite being part of Australia's National Reserve System, IPAs receive only $0.21 per hectare annually—less than 2% of the funding allocated to other protected areas.

Indigenous Rangers manage these regions with limited resources, often working on 'the smell of an oily rag' (a phrase indicating minimal support).

While the federal government has announced new investments in IPAs as part of initiatives like the $250 million Australian Bushland Program, critics warn against spreading resources too thinly.

The article also underscores the critical role of Indigenous-led conservation in meeting global targets such as the 30 by 30 biodiversity goal, which aims to protect 30% of land and marine areas by 2030.Aboriginal communities are key to achieving these objectives, with their stewardship of Country through IPAs serving as a model for other nations.

The piece also notes international collaboration, including knowledge exchanges between Australian and Canadian Indigenous groups, highlighting the global significance of Indigenous conservation practices.