Wagiman Fire Project

The Wagiman Fire Project is a Savanna Fire Management project located in the Upper Daly region of the Northern Territory, situated approximately 100km west of Pine Creek and about two hours south of Darwin. Registered in December 2024, the project covers a substantial area of 445,501 hectares. The land is primarily Aboriginal freehold land held by the Wagiman and Upper Daly Aboriginal Land Trusts, utilized for traditional indigenous land management, conservation, and cultural preservation.

This project operates under the 2018 Savanna Fire Management (Emissions Avoidance) methodology. This method involves the strategic implementation of controlled, cool burns during the early dry season (typically before August). By reducing the fuel load early in the year, the project aims to prevent the spread of high-intensity, destructive wildfires that occur in the late dry season. This shift in fire regime significantly reduces the release of potent greenhouse gases, specifically methane and nitrous oxide, which are emitted in higher quantities by hot, uncontrolled fires.

The project area falls within the high rainfall zone of Northern Australia (receiving over 1000mm annually), a classification that dictates specific baseline periods and calculation methods under the carbon scheme. The environment is characterized by tropical savanna woodlands, rocky escarpments, and floodplains associated with the Daly River catchment. Soils in this region typically include sandy loams and red earths common to the Top End.

An interesting aspect of this project is its long developmental history; it was supported for several years as a "Phase 1" pilot by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) and the Northern Land Council before achieving full registration. The on-ground fire operations are conducted by the Wagiman Rangers, who utilize these activities not only for carbon abatement but also to protect significant rock art sites and maintain connection to Country.