The development of family based economic self-sufficiency is being achieved through a number of coordinated indigenous business development projects. The triple bottom line elements of economy, society and environment have been used as described in the development section of this website to map a development pathway. 

 

The Bush Mango Productivity Project addresses the environmental factors that need to be managed to develop a viable production system. Research carried out as a partnership between Cultivate NT and Charles Darwin University assessed fruit production levels and identified optimum fire regimes and land systems for the long-term productivity of the bush mango.

 

The Fire Management Project builds on traditional land management practices and research reviewed and carried out through the Bush Mango Project. A fire management strategy has been developed that optimises fruit productivity of various savanna and rainforest species. Fire management occurs at the intersection of environmental, social and economic considerations and implementation of an effective plan takes into account all three dimensions.

 

The Nursery Project is propagating bush harvest species to augment existing populations and reduce labour costs during harvest. In addition to learning the skills of propagation and cultivation the ongoing care and commitment required to grow seedling into self-sufficient young plants requires a shift in life style for the Rurrangala community.  Some family members now need to remain and care for the plants when the family is attending funeral or other cultural commitments.

 

The abundant bush harvest species of East Arnhem Land have been utilised for local consumption for as long as Yolngu have lived on the land and the Bush Produce Development Project is taking this primary produce and developing high value products suitable for markets across Australia.