The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has recognised buffel grass’s potential to completely take over arid ecosystems, forcing out native plant and animal species.
Buffel grass is a threat to remote Indigenous communities in Australia because it causes heightened fire risk, damage to cultural sites, and a reduction in the ability to pass on cultural knowledge to the next generation.
While buffel grass is a declared weed in South Australia, it is still sown as pasture in other states. Left unmanaged, the weed poses a threat to grazing and cropping systems because it spreads quickly in hotter, stormier weather.
The weed was a factor in recent uncontrolled fires around Alice Springs, as well as the devastating wildfires on Maui, Hawaii, in August.
The IPBES’s Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control has been welcomed by the South Australian Government and the Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board (AWLB), which has led the fight against buffel grass in remote parts of the state for more than a decade.
The state government’s Landscape Priorities Fund and AWLB will jointly contribute more than $2.2M to a multi-agency buffel grass program.
The program will work with Indigenous ranger groups, neighbouring landscape boards, national parks staff and other stakeholders to control buffel grass through strategy, action and advocacy.
IPBES is a global science-policy body tasked with providing the best available evidence on biodiversity issues to governments and decision-makers.
The assessment report was developed over more than four years by 86 experts from 49 countries, drawing on more than 13,000 scientific articles and government reports.
The report included significant contributions from Indigenous peoples and local communities, making it the most comprehensive assessment ever of invasive alien species around the world.
As put by Susan Close
The South Australian government recognises the threat posed by buffel grass in the rangelands both to the unique desert ecosystems and the Indigenous communities who have such a deep connection to Country.
This report highlights the need for action on invasive species and supports our efforts to manage their threat.
The $2.2 million in funding will help support the great work of the Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board, which has demonstrated a long-term commitment to understanding and managing buffel grass in South Australia.
As put by Dr Ellen Ryan-Colton, South Australian contributor to IPBES report.
IPBES is at the forefront of including Indigenous knowledge in their reporting and recognising the effects on human communities.
First Nations peoples have long been documenting these issues through stories, songs, videos, statements and reports.
Thanks to their efforts, we were able to draw on this knowledge at a global level and show that First Nations people around the world are experiencing the detrimental effects of alien species.
As put by Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board Chair Mick Haynes.
Although we have devoted significant effort and resources to fighting the spread of buffel grass, it will remain a ‘David and Goliath’ battle without a broader recognition and response.
The IPBES report is encouraging, especially the mention of the impact such invasive species have on the wellbeing and quality of life of human populations.
As an all-Aboriginal board, we recognise that culture and Country are inextricably linked, so this fight is an existential one for Indigenous communities.
