Ancient aquaculture meets genetic science: Traditional Owner eDNA Training Program at Budj Bim
- Case study video: Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
- First Nation-led stewardship of Country through innovative eDNA
- Early results are already informing long-term fishery planning and habitat restoration efforts
Centred on the World Heritage-listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape on Gunditjmara Country, this project brings together Traditional Owner knowledge and eDNA technology to help restore ecosystems, protect culturally significant species, and guide future conservation.
Through the Traditional Owner eDNA Training Program, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation is mapping fish populations and tracking ecological change at the site of the world’s oldest known aquaculture systems.
“It’s our obligation to protect what our ancestors left for us. They planted the seeds and paved the path for us to walk in harmony with Country,” said Nicky Hudson, Water Officer at Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
“We read Country. It tells us what it needs, and when to step in to help it heal from pollution and unnatural changes. Our connection is ongoing. We’ll always care for our Country.”
Led by Traditional Owners and supported by EnviroDNA, the program ensures all ecological data is owned and governed by Traditional Owner communities. Early results are already informing long-term fishery planning and habitat restoration.
Budj Bim’s waterways, engineered over thousands of years by the Gunditjmara, provide an ideal testing ground for integrated monitoring. Through cultural leadership and eDNA insights, the project is helping combine ecological monitoring and cultural heritage.
Jim Stuart, CEO of EnviroDNA, said “The Budj Bim program is a foundational example of what’s possible when knowledge systems work together.”
This is part of a growing national program led by EnviroDNA and Traditional Owners to equip Indigenous groups with the tools and data to lead environmental restoration, on their terms.
With growing global recognition of Indigenous science and climate stewardship, Budj Bim is emerging as as leading program model, harnessing new technologies for biodiversity restoration rooted in culture.
“Partnering with EnviroDNA to monitor the health of our waterways has been a valuable investment. They’ve supported us every step of the way and worked closely with us to build a program that reflects our needs and traditional values,” concluded Ms Hudson.
We proudly partnered with Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to create this video showcasing their experience in the program and its outcomes. Watch below to learn more.
If you have any questions, contact: info@envirodna.com
Filmed on location: This video is filmed on Gunditjmara Country.
Special thanks to: Nicky Hudson, Water Officer & Jakobe Walker, World Heritage Ranger, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
EnviroDNA speaker: Harry Coleman, EnviroDNA Traditional Owner Program Manager
Videography & editing: Emily Vines
EnviroDNA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Gunditjmara People, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.