Jawoyn Fire 2

Jawoyn Fire 2 is a Savanna Fire Management project located approximately 60km east of the regional centre of Katherine in the Northern Territory. Registered in October 2015, this extensive project covers 585,245 hectares of Jawoyn traditional lands, including the Nitmiluk National Park and areas near the Beswick community. The region is characterized by a mix of indigenous land management, conservation, and tourism, particularly centred around the famous Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.

The project operates under the Savanna Fire Management methodology, specifically targeting the "high rainfall zone" (receiving over 1000mm of annual rainfall). This method involves strategic fire management where rangers conduct cool, low-intensity burns during the early dry season (EDS) to reduce the fuel load. This preventative action mitigates the risk and severity of hot, uncontrollable wildfires in the late dry season (LDS), thereby reducing the release of powerful greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide.

Environmental conditions in this region are typical of the Top End's tropical savanna, featuring distinct wet and dry monsoonal seasons. The landscape is dominated by rugged sandstone plateaus (part of the Arnhem Land plateau) and valleys. The soil composition largely consists of Rudosols (shallow, rocky soils common on the plateau) and Kandosols (red, loamy earths), which support open eucalypt woodlands and spinifex grasslands.

A notable aspect of Jawoyn Fire 2 is its inclusion of Nitmiluk National Park, marking a significant achievement in joint management for conservation and carbon abatement. The project is managed by the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation and executed by Jawoyn Rangers, providing employment and helping to protect ancient rock art sites from fire damage. While the project previously held a fixed delivery contract (CAC948203) with the Commonwealth which has since been completed, it continues to actively generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) until its crediting period ends in 2039, now frequently selling into the private market.