Last updated: 24 December 2025

For thousands of generations, First Nations communities in Western Cape York have cared for Country using deep cultural knowledge passed down through Elders.  

Today, environmental challenges are more complex than ever – and as the impacts of climate change and human activities affect waterways and shift ecosystems, the need for accurate data to protect fragile landscapes is critical. 

Traditional knowledge continues to play a vital role, and communities are embracing new tools to monitor and respond to environmental changes.  By building digital skills and access to technology, local communities, Rangers and young people can play an even stronger role in leading conservation efforts across Australia. 

The Caring for Country through Digital Literacy program supports this by combining cultural knowledge with innovative technologies. Launched in late 2023 as part of our Living Languages, Living Cultures commitment, it’s a partnership between Indigital, local Elders and Rio Tinto that combines cultural knowledge with new technologies. 

Over the past 2 years, the program has connected Elders, Rangers, youth and educators from Mapoon, Aurukun, Napranum and Weipa with tools like LiDAR scanning and environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling. All of this work is guided by the wisdom and leadership of the Caring for Country Aboriginal Community Reference Group (ACRG), made up of Elders and Traditional Owners from across the 4 communities. 

These technologies help communities monitor waterways, track species and plan conservation strategies, with cultural knowledge embedded at the heart of the process. 

“We see things through both a Western and a cultural lens,” Aunty Mary-Ann Coconut, a Thanakwith Traditional Owner and ACRG member, said.   

“It’s beneficial for the whole community, for all generations, to keep the fire burning.”  

Lucy taking some LiDAR scans of Country during the Aurukun Masterclass

Seasons of change: from cultural storytelling to conservation leadership 

Season 1 of the Caring for Country program, delivered in 2024 with the theme “Cultural Storytelling”, focused on building trust, strengthening cultural governance, and introducing emerging technologies as cultural tools, including Augmented and Virtual Reality storytelling.   

Season 2 concluded in 2025, after focusing on the theme “Our Waters, Our Futures” – a theme that put waterway conservation front and centre. Communities achieved some incredible milestones that show what’s possible when cultural knowledge and technology come together. 

In Aurukun, Aak Puul Ngantam (APN) Rangers conducted independent eDNA sampling by boat, marking the first time water monitoring has been led entirely by local Rangers. In Weipa and Napranum, Elders and teachers worked side by side to bring conservation technology into classrooms, designing learning approaches that combine traditional knowledge with eDNA. And in Mapoon, Elders guided workshops that connected language, environmental science, and technology – linking cultural knowledge to future enterprise opportunities.  

“I was so excited in learning of the eDNA, the water sampling,” Apalech Traditional Owner Aunty Vera Koomeeta said.  

“I was sceptical at first about this project and what I will learn of how much different species are living, drinking or even swimming in our rivers, swamps and lagoons.  

“I was so amazed in using this technology.” 

The program has already reached more than 100 participants and earned national recognition, winning Collaboration of the Year at the 2025 Aboriginal Enterprises in Mining, Energy and Exploration (AEMEE) Awards. 

“This celebration is about recognising First Nations leadership in digital conservation,” Mikaela Jade, CEO and Founder of Indigital, said. 

“Elders, Rangers and students are using technology to tell stories, care for Country, and plan for the future - all co-designed and led by them.”  

“The Caring for Country program shows what’s possible when culture and technology come together,” our Global Head of Communities and Social Performance, Melinda Buckland, said.  

“We’re proud to walk alongside Indigital and community and learn from them as they lead the way in environmental science and stewardship.” 
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Launching the next chapter of eDNA on Country 

Season 3 of the Caring for Country program will take place in 2026 and will build on the strong foundations established in earlier seasons by deepening environmental DNA (eDNA) work across the 4 communities. This next chapter will support communities to further strengthen their leadership in waterway monitoring and environmental stewardship on Country. 

Guided by community voices, Season 3 responds directly to what communities have told us they want to learn, lead and grow. The expanded curriculum will focus on advanced eDNA sampling, data interpretation and community-led monitoring, creating new opportunities for Rangers and other community members to combine cultural knowledge with scientific and digital skills in meaningful, practical ways. 

“This program has shown that when we walk together, we can bring old knowledge and new tools together in the right way, to look after Country and to give our young ones something to be proud of,” Aunty Andrewena Diane Nichols Pitt, Tjungundji Elder and Cultural Custodian from Mapoon, said.  

By walking together, we’re ensuring that Country is cared for in ways that honour its stories, its people, and its future. 

“It’s been a tremendous year for the 4 communities, especially getting involved in new ways of knowing how to take care of our Country and teaching our children,” Aunty Vera said.  

“They’re our future, who know technology more than us. But the knowledge of their Elders is very, very important for them to take into account.”  

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