Where is Buymarr?
You'll probably want to pack a lunch if you are thinking of heading out to Buymarr. Buymarr is a remote aboriginal community in north-east Arnhem Land (home of the Yolgnu people). Remote and rugged, the lands of the Yolngu people are some of the most inaccessible and least disturbed environments left on earth. Aboriginal people have lived in the area for tens of thousands of years - their extraordinary skills, and spiritual connection with the land help them keep the perfect ecological balance.
What is the bushfood tree planting project all about?
The local community have identified an opportunity to increase the proliferation of bush food trees throughout their lands. The benefits include:
- A stable, sustainable source of nutrition.
- Improved food security when supply chains are cut (e.g such as during heavy rains, or COVID-19 lockdowns).
- Ensuring abundant bush foods are available to support the passing on of traditional knowledge related to the nutritional and medicinal benefits of each plant.
- Ensuring the land is healthy and can continue to support the traditional ways of life lived by the Yolgnu people over the millennia.
The Yolgnu children of north-east Arnhem Land are the future owners and managers of their land and sea. Projects that contribute to maintaining the health of the land, and the passing on of traditional knowledge, are critical in supporting them to develop into the future leaders of their estates.
By supporting this project, you are also supporting the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Sustainable Development Goal 3: Health - Ensure healthy lives and promote well - being for all at all ages
This project contributes to the mental, spiritual and physical health of the Buymarr community.
Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Although involving people across ages and genders, this project is led and driven by the women of the Buymarr community.
Sustainable Development Goal 8: Good Jobs and Economic Growth - Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
This project provides meaningful income for Yolngu people on their home lands.
Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
This project provides meaningful income for Yolngu people on their home lands.
Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land - Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
Some tree planting projects introduce new species, resulting in changes to the soil composition and negative impacts on the ecosystem. This project proliferates flora which is known to improve the health of the land, the health of the people, and the health of the traditions and customs of the Yolngu people.
