Tropical Savannas CRC
Teach Savannas Learn Savannas Savannas Windows

Resources

Fire and Biodiversity Presentation - John Woinarski
Powerpoint presented by John Woinarski at Ecology Culture Economy Fire Forum, Darwin, May 7th 2008 [pdf 1.7 Mb]


Old Ways, New Directions Transcript
This is the transcript for the Old Ways, New Directions feature film as screened in the Outback Cinema. [pdf 684.0 kb]


Savannas and the carbon storage story
How does carbon cycling work in the tropical savannas and where is the carbon stored? How much is emitted and absorbed and are these processes changing? This article focuses on these questions which were the focus of several Tropical Savannas CRC projects. [pdf 831.5 kb]


WALFA
Fire researcher, Andrew Edwards, explains how fire management has changed fire regimes from destructive (2004) to benign (2007) fires in West Arnhem Land. - 12.5 Mb


Outback Cinema

Outback Cinema

 

Key questions and understandings

  • Our future: how do we burn for a sustainable future?
  • What is the "two-ways of knowing" toolkit?

Traditional burning practices result in substantial carbon benefits. When the tropical savanna/open forests are not burnt periodically, massive fuel loads can build up and cause hot intensive wild fires devastate the country.

Learners could:

  • use cause and effect diagrams to show the relationship between the seasons and traditional burning practices;
  • explain the impact of traditional indigenous fire practices identifying the ecological, social/cultural and economic benefits;
  • explain the carbon cycle highlighting the role of greenhouse gas;
  • evaluate the NT carbon trading scheme using a Plus, Minus, Interesting organiser;
  • justify the NT carbon trading scheme using scientific evidence;
  • critically reflect on the impact of Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science working together for sustainability.
  • critically evaluate the scientific evidence supporting the research as featured in Old Ways, New Directions (see extension activity below).