We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the sovereign Traditional Owners of Australia and thank them for their stewardship of this Country, its lands, waters and skies. We respectfully acknowledge their culture and customary practices, and pay respect to their Ancestors, Elders and future leaders.

For the first time, the State of the Environment report includes a strong Indigenous narrative across all 12 thematic chapters, a narrative crafted through recognising the leadership, collaboration and authorship of Indigenous Australians who continue their connection as Traditional Owners to their lands, waters and skies.

Click to view the State of the Environment report

On 28 March 2025 the government assumed a Caretaker role. Information on websites maintained by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will be published in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions until after the conclusion of the caretaker period.

Due to technical issues, graphs, maps and tables are currently not displaying within the main content, however, are available via the chapter resources navigation bar. We are working on a solution to resolve the issue.

References

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UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) (2017). Endangered languages. Biodiversity and linguistic diversity: maintaining indigeous languages, conserving biodiversity, UNESCO, London, http://www.unesco.org/new/en/culture/themes/endangered-languages/biodiversity-and-linguistic-diversity/.

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) (2018). The role of the language, UNESCO, London, https://en.iyil2019.org/role-of-language/.

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) (2021). World Heritage List – Wet Tropics of Queensland, UNESCO, London, https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/486/.

UNGC (United Nations Global Compact) (2013). A business reference guide: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, UNGC, New York.

Universities Australia (2017). Indigenous strategy 2017–2020, Universities Australia, Canberra.

University of Sydney (2019). Indigenous skills vital to conservation research outcomes, University of Sydney, Sydney, https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2019/04/09/indigenous-skills-vital-to-conservation-research-outcomes.html.

UNPFII (United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues) (2007). Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: frequently asked questions, UNPFII, New York.

UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) (2015). Global report on cultural routes and itineraries, Madrid.