More than 100 delegates including Traditional Owner groups, industry, government and community leaders have come together for the first time, in a united front to better protect and manage the Pilbara’s unique biodiversity. 

The 2025 Pilbara Voluntary Conservation Forum at Karratha’s Red Earth Arts Precinct is a joint initiative of the Pilbara Development Commission, Rio Tinto, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and Pew Charitable Trusts. 

Minister for the Environment Matthew Swinbourn opened the Forum on Monday 18 August, calling on all sectors to join forces to protect one of the world’s most important regions for conservation. 

Over the two-day forum, representatives from the Pilbara Ranger Network, Murujuga, Banjima, Nyamal and Karlka Nyiyaparli shared their perspectives and aspirations to manage Country.

Guided by the Pilbara Conservation Strategy and targets set out in the Global Biodiversity Framework, industry representatives including Rio Tinto, BHP and Fortescue shared information about voluntary conservation projects currently underway and discuss potential future opportunities.  

DBCA Pilbara Regional Manager Alicia Whittington said the outcomes of the forum will inform ongoing conservation planning and opportunities.

“Protecting the Pilbara’s unique biodiversity is a shared responsibility and voluntary conservation partnerships driven by Traditional Owners, industry and government are already delivering results for Country and communities.   

“This includes State Government-funded initatives, delivered through DBCA, like the Aboriginal Ranger Program and Plan for Our Parks, and the Rio Tinto-supported Pilbara Conservation Project.

“These types of cross-sector partnerships are essential for protecting areas of high biodiversity value while creating training and job opportunities.

“The forum builds on this momentum by bringing diverse voices together, to collaborate on conservation actions across the Pilbara."  

For the latest updates on the Pilbara Conservation Project, visit Pilbara Conservation Project | Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions