The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) recently welcomed South Fly Rangers to Waiben (Thursday Island) for the first official ranger knowledge exchange under the Torres Strait Treaty.
The three-day exchange strengthened relationships between rangers to share knowledge, common values and challenges faced on both sides of the border.
TSRA Chairperson George Nona said the inaugural ranger gathering honoured connections between Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) and Papua New Guinea (PNG).
“The true strength of the Torres Strait Treaty is found in our people and the enduring relationships connecting families, communities and cultures across Zenadth Kes and Papua New Guinea for generations,” Mr Nona said.
“Like a woven mat, this historic ranger gathering brought together cultures, knowledge and aspirations in caring for land and sea.”
Through yarning circles, cultural exchanges and field visits, rangers explored shared priorities including climate, food and water security, language preservation, youth engagement, and dugong and turtle management.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of weaving traditional ecological knowledge with western science to support community-led conservation, climate adaptation and sustainable resource management.
TSRA Simakal Senior Ranger on Dauan, Laurie Elisala, said the exchange celebrated the strength of cultural authority in environmental management.
“We share the honour and responsibility to learn from our ancestors and pass on this traditional knowledge to care for Country,” Mr Elisala said.
Elda Dagi, South Fly Ranger from Kadawa Village, said: “This program reminds us that we all have a role to play in conservation, not only in the Treaty communities but also in inland villages on the mainland.”
The South Fly Rangers, which are funded under the PNG-Australia Partnership, are now back in Western Province, working with local communities to apply the lessons learned, strengthen community-led monitoring, and supporting practical climate and conservation activities across South Fly.
Hosted by TSRA’s Environmental Management Program through its Land and Sea Management Unit, the ranger knowledge exchange laid a foundation for future collaboration under the Torres Strait Treaty.
