The Caring for Country unit is involved in all aspects of re-establishing and maintaining traditional connections to the land while dealing with the myriad issues that have arisen since the advent of European settlers.

Asyrikarrak Kirim Rangers at Peppimenarti

As well as the practical need to take action quickly to deal with severe and immediate threats such as the weed Mimosa pigra, other issues include dust suppression action in community areas, management of tourist/recreation areas, wildlife protection programs, control of feral animals and, more recently, fire management.

The Caring for Country Unit works closely with traditional landowners and managers and has been instrumental in setting up a network of Aboriginal Ranger groups which now number more than 20 across the Top End. Intensive consultation and coordination underpins these ranger programs, allowing Aboriginal people to determine how the programs are carried out.

2002 Ranger Conference

A number of programs incorporate joint research with government and other agencies, often paving the way for traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and contemporary scientific knowledge to be used side by side to combat environmental problems and find solutions.

The rangers' year culminates in the annual Rangers' Conference, held during the Dry Season, which allows each group to share knowledge and experiences with other groups and to forge action plans for the year ahead.

While women are strong participants in the Rangers' Conference, the women rangers also organise their own Ngalmuka Land Management Conference each year during the dry season.