Indigenous fire management 'locks up' carbon
A study from James Cook University found Indigenous fire management in Queensland's Undara Volcanic National Park sequesters more carbon than other methods, suggesting significant potential for carbon credits and climate benefits.
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A recent study from James Cook University has found that Indigenous fire management practices can sequester more carbon than other native bushland management methods. The research focused on the tropical savannah of northern Queensland's Undara Volcanic National Park, which has utilized an Indigenous fire regime of early dry season fires every 3-4 years for two decades. In contrast, adjacent areas without this management showed significantly lower levels of pyrogenic carbon (PyC), a stable form of carbon that benefits soil health. The study revealed that the park's topsoil contained an average of a quarter tonne more PyC per hectare than the unburned areas, suggesting that an average pastoral property of 100,000 hectares could potentially sequester between 1,250 to 2,500 tonnes of carbon annually by adopting similar fire management practices. Although these practices are not currently eligible for carbon credits, they could provide substantial revenue opportunities in the future. The study emphasizes the need to balance the benefits of frequent fires with potential impacts on biodiversity and other land use options. With around 200 million hectares of tropical savannas in Australia, implementing Indigenous fire management could significantly contribute to long-term carbon sequestration and climate benefits.
- Indigenous fire management can sequester more carbon than other methods.
- The study focused on the Undara Volcanic National Park in Queensland.
- Pyrogenic carbon (PyC) levels were significantly higher in areas with Indigenous fire management.
- Potential carbon sequestration for large pastoral properties could be substantial.
- Further validation is needed for carbon credit eligibility.
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