Murujuga, an Indigenous homeland in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, has been making waves around the world. In July, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee voted unanimously to inscribe its Cultural Landscape on the World Heritage List. This monumental designation is a true testament to the site’s extraordinary cultural and historical significance. It is home to one million prehistoric rock carvings, some more than 50,000 years old. The engravings at Murujuga are older Heritage than high-profile monuments such as Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza. As a result, Murujuga has become a key cultural and historical landmark.
The Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, representing the traditional custodians of Murujuga, led the successful campaign for UNESCO world heritage listing to protect and celebrate the area’s extraordinary heritage. Raelene Cooper, a Mardathoonera woman and traditional owner of Murujuga, expressed her concerns. She is especially worried about what chronic exposure to industrial emissions could do to the rock art over time. The construction of two new gas plants, a large nitrogen fertilizer plant, and multiple new export facilities has only worsened this problem. These developments and installations together form the industrial belt along the peninsula where Karratha—home to Murujuga—is located.
The unanimous decision to support the listing came from the 21 member nations of the UNESCO committee. They further encouraged Australia to continue studying what impact the nearby industries have on the site. They highlighted the need to further study the effects of acid emissions from Woodside’s proposed gas project. These emissions threaten the irreplaceable carvings. As part of this process, Australia must report its conclusions back to the United Nations next year.
For the Ngarda-Ngarli people this inscription of Murujuga to the World Heritage List is a great victory. Their relentless efforts to have their unique cultural heritage recognized has made this enfoldment possible, a very significant milestone. Peter Hicks, Chair of the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, hailed the day as a huge victory. He underscored why it was a landmark moment for Indigenous rights. He said it would be crucial for any nomination to be led by Aboriginal people. This just goes to show their deep understanding as well as spiritual ties to the land.
“Inscribed into the history books is a great, great outcome for us, the Aboriginal people. It’s a nomination led by Aboriginal people, for Aboriginal people, and guided by the Aboriginal people. And therefore it is a world first.” – Peter Hicks, Chair of the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation
Even before UNESCO’s decision, the Australian government had welcomed the decision, with Ministerial representatives acknowledging their pride in this Indigenous-led nomination. They recognised that this accolade is only made possible through the Ngarda-Ngarli people’s long-standing achievements. They emphasized how their ongoing relationship to their homeland is key to this treaty.
“On behalf of the Australian government I am honoured to accept this inscription. Australia is thrilled with the committee’s decision to inscribe Murujuga’s Cultural Landscape on the World Heritage List. This has been an Indigenous-led nomination and this victory belongs to the Ngarda-Ngarli, whose deep knowledge and cultural leadership are at the heart of this inscription.” – Minister (Australian Government)
Fear still looms over the dangerous industrial activities that continue to encroach on Murujuga. As we indulge in this holiday season, Cooper reminded us all to stay watchful. He cautioned that emissions would endanger the carvings and discredit their authenticity.
Woodside is a central actor in the region’s fossil fuel industry. The joint venture company has made contractual obligations to ensure the continued protection and management of Murujuga. A spokesperson from Woodside stated that they look forward to collaborating closely with both the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and Traditional Custodians in this endeavor.
“The company has been a proud supporter of the World Heritage nomination and assessment process, and looks forward to continuing to work closely with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and Traditional Custodians on the continued protection and management of this globally significant area.” – Woodside spokesperson
