Reflection on Sustainability, Environmental Law and the role of Indigenous People

National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee - NAIDOC events are being observed in various parts of Australia this week. NAIDOC is a movement that recognises the role and the rich history that indigenous people of Australia hold. The movement has been around and has its historical presence as early as the turn of the century. I participated in an event hosted by the Sydney Environment Institute, University of Sydney. Met some amazing leaders from the First Nation People - including Warren Roberts - a Thunghutti and Bundjalung man and founder of YARN Australia. Here are some reflections. As an environmental engineer working on environmental issues, I deal with laws and regulations. A principle that came into vogue in the 1970`s was the "sustainability principle". This later took a central stage within the groundbreaking legislation in New Zealand, through the Resource Management Act 1991. Basically the decision making process needs to consider the social, cultural , economic and environmental impacts of any action that could affect the use of a resource. It further defined "sustainable management " as managing the use , development and protection of natural and physical resources in a way , or at a rate which enables people and communities to provide for their social, economic, and cultural wellbeing and for their health and safety while - (a) Sustaining the potential of natural and physical resources to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations and (b)Safeguarding the life - supporting capacity of air, water, soil and ecosystem and (c) Avoiding, remedying or mitigating any adverse effects of activities on the environment.

The legislation paved the way to include the value that people place on natural resources, including the value system of the Maori. This was achieved due to leadership shown by both indigenous leaders as well as the governing authority of the day. I mention this as we speak about the week of events across NAIDOC , we need to accept that there is more to be done in embracing the value system of the Aboriginal and Torres Island People. This maybe seen as an opportunity by many to forge a new path and a hope such as the 2017, Uluru Statement from the Heart.

One can question how does change occur in such complex problems. The answer perhaps is to look at some key ingredients for change ; leaders, the process, inclusivity, courage of conviction. For change to happen we require changemakers - leaders. Leaders who can look at a complex problem and draw out a solution. Leaders can be officials in appointed positions or individuals who have vision and can articulate for people to follow. In drawing out a solution there is a need for the process. Inclusive decision making is a key ingredient in making the process work. The coming together of Leaders, Articulating the complex problem, providing the process, inclusivity for voices to be heard during the process will lead to better outcomes.