New partnership aims to safeguard Pilbara’s biodiversity

A new partnership between the Cook Government and Rio Tinto has emerged, driven by a mutual commitment to safeguard the distinctive biodiversity of the Pilbara region. The Pilbara Conservation Project aims to address conservation challenges through targeted regional actions, benefiting both national parks and Traditional Owner groups. Rio Tinto has pledged $8 million over five years to support the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) in critical areas such as weed management, feral animal control, and bush fire management. The initiative will focus on protecting key sites such as Karijini National Park and Millstream Chichester National Park, crucial habitats for endemic species. Officer of the Pew Charitable Trusts Bill Kruse said the partnership would benefit the Pilbara region by heightening employment opportunities. “Investments like this in conservation deliver triple bottom line benefits through job creation, ultimately generating social, economic, and environmental returns,” Dr Kruse said. In addition to financial support, the partnership will create five new full-time positions and provide training and fee-for-service opportunities for Aboriginal ranger groups, emphasising local engagement and empowerment. Environment Minister Reece Whitby said the collaborative endeavour demonstrated how different, and at times clashing groups, could work cohesively for a shared objective. “Conservation is a shared responsibility, and this new partnership demonstrates how Government, industry, and Traditional Owners can work together to manage biodiversity values through practical, on-ground actions,” Mr Whitby said. The Pilbara boasts remarkable biodiversity, with high species richness and numerous endemic plants and animals, including globally significant reptile assemblages and diverse aquatic invertebrates. Species such as the northern quoll, Pilbara olive python, greater bilby, ghost bat, and Pilbara leaf-nosed bat, recognised by the Commonwealth Government as matters of national environmental significance, will benefit from the project’s conservation efforts. Rio Tinto’s vice president of health and safety Cecile Thaxter said the mining company’s commitment to protecting the environmental wealth of the region was integral to the health of future generations. “Maintaining Pilbara’s biodiversity is crucial not only for business today but also for future generations within the region,” Ms Thaxter said.