The Karlantijpa North Savanna Burning Project

The Karlantijpa North Savanna Burning Project is a savanna fire management project located on the Karlantijpa North Aboriginal Land Trust, approximately 100 kilometers west of Elliott and northwest of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. Registered in November 2016, the project covers a massive area of approximately 305,308 hectares. The region consists of Aboriginal Freehold land dedicated to traditional use and conservation, managed by the Karlantijpa North Kurrawarra Nyura Mala Aboriginal Corporation with support from the Central Land Council (CLC).

The project operates under the Savanna Fire Management methodology, specifically targeting the "low rainfall zone" (typically defined as receiving between 600mm and 1000mm of annual rainfall). The core activity involves strategic early dry season (EDS) burning. By conducting cool, patchy burns early in the year when vegetation still holds moisture, the project proponents reduce the fuel load that would otherwise feed hot, high-intensity wildfires during the late dry season. This shift in fire regime reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions and protects the landscape from the degradation caused by uncontrolled summer wildfires.

Environmentally, the project area is situated within the semi-arid transition zone of the Wiso Basin and Tanami Desert influence. The landscape is characterized by extensive sand plains and red earth soils (Kandosols and Tenosols). Vegetation is dominated by hummock grasslands (spinifex) and acacia shrublands, creating a "remote grassy woodland" ecosystem. This environment is critical habitat for threatened species, including the vulnerable Greater Bilby and the Spectacled Hare-wallaby, which benefit from the mosaic burning patterns that prevent large-scale habitat destruction.

This project holds the distinction of being the first Aboriginal carbon enterprise established in the Central Land Council region. It provides significant co-benefits, including employment for local Rangers (such as the Tennant Creek and Daguragu CLC ranger groups) and resources for Traditional Owners to visit remote sacred sites via helicopter during burning operations. The project successfully secured and completed a carbon abatement contract (CAC311285) with the Australian Government, delivering 24,100 tonnes of abatement.