INLOC

A powerful step forward for community-led climate resilience in Western Province 🌏🌱

INLOC is proud to support the launch of the first community-developed bilingual Agob-English seasonal calendar in Buzi Village, South Fly District.

Developed through workshops involving 126 community members, the calendar captures generations of traditional ecological knowledge - mapping seasons, weather patterns, harvesting, fishing, hunting, planting cycles, and food sources that sustain the community throughout the year.

More than a calendar, this is a living knowledge system.

By preserving this knowledge in both Agob language and English, the community is safeguarding cultural identity while ensuring future generations can continue to adapt to environmental and climate changes with wisdom grounded in tradition.

The calendar also strengthens:
✅ Food security
✅ Climate adaptation planning
✅ Community resource management
✅ Intergenerational knowledge transfer
✅ Language preservation

As climate change increasingly impacts coastal and island communities, initiatives like this demonstrate the importance of Indigenous knowledge in building sustainable futures.

Congratulations to the Buzi and Berr community, South Fly Rangers, and everyone involved in this important achievement.

A community-developed seasonal calendar has been launched in Buzi Village in the Torres Strait area of South Fly District, Western Province, as residents respond to the growing impact of climate change on food supplies and natural resources.

The calendar was developed by South Fly Rangers in partnership with the Buzi community under the PNG-Australia partnership program. It documents local seasons, weather patterns, and traditional knowledge relating to planting, fishing, harvesting, and the use of natural resources.

Community leaders say the calendar is intended to help villagers plan for changing weather conditions, food shortages, and environmental changes affecting daily life.

The bilingual Agob-English calendar is the first of its kind documented by the community and identifies important plant and animal species relied upon mainly for food and subsistence.

Former Ward Chairman Frank Warapa said climate change was already affecting farming, fishing, and coastal communities in the area.

“Climate change is very real here. It changes what we can plant, where we can fish, and how we protect our homes,” he said.

He said the calendar would help families prepare for seasonal changes and improve local planning.

Local leaders are also using the calendar to support disaster preparedness and discussions with provincial authorities and non-government organisations on climate adaptation and resource management.

The project draws on traditional ecological knowledge and ranger programs previously used in Indigenous communities in Australia.

Officials involved in the program say the initiative could help improve local-level planning and provide information on climate trends and food availability in remote communities across Western Province.

The South Fly Ranger Program continues to work with local communities and provincial authorities on conservation, resource management, and climate adaptation programs in remote parts of the province.

🌊 Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Outbreak: A Critical Moment for the Reef...
INLOC is closely monitoring reports of a potential new COTS outbreak unfolding between Cairns and Lizard Island, as covered in this recent ABC News article.

We stand ready to scale efforts in partnership with stakeholders to safeguard biodiversity and strengthen reef resilience.

Crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak on Great Barrier Reef could be worst in decades Scientists are rushing to contain an emerging outbreak of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish on the Great Barrier Reef, warning it could be one of the worst in 60 years.

Land management is one of the most important parts of caring for Country. It’s slow, detailed, hands-on work. It can be anything from removing invasive species and supporting native vegetation to restoring habitats and strengthening ecosystems. This is what communities rely on.

Every task, no matter how small it looks in the moment, contributes to long-term resilience. Healthy landscapes support biodiversity, cultural practices, food systems, and future opportunities for the next generation.

We’re committed to working alongside communities, rangers, and local organisations to deliver this work on the ground. Always guided by local knowledge and backed by practical expertise.

A Big Week for Coral Reefs🪸🪸

This week was an important one for the reef. The December mass spawning took place just a few days ago, and we were fortunate enough to support the AIMS Pilot Deployment Program by helping collect coral larvae on the Agincourt Reefs.

These early-stage corals are transferred into protected pools to improve their chances of surviving their most vulnerable phase. From there, they settle onto purpose-designed devices that will later be returned to the reef, where they’ll continue to grow into healthy, thriving corals and help coral reefs recover more quickly from the impacts of climate change.

The Pilot Deployments Program is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef
Trust and led by the Australian Institute of Marine Science. It is part of the Reef
Restoration and Adaptation Program, funded by the partnership between the Reef
Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

Powering Programs with Precision 🧭✨

At INLOC, strong operations and logistics are the backbone of our impact.

Working in remote and challenging environments means every project requires adaptability, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of the unique logistical demands behind conservation and development work. Our team delivers large-scale programs through smart planning, efficient coordination, and adaptable problem-solving.

With a dedicated operations team driving every project, we ensure each mission runs smoothly, effectively, and with purpose. 🌏💪

A couple of weeks ago, some of our team members had the incredible opportunity to head to Townsville for training at the AIMS SeaSim.🌿🪸

SeaSim is home to some of the most advanced marine research facilities in the world, and getting hands-on experience there was an inspiring reminder of how much collaboration and science goes into protecting these ecosystems. From learning spawning techniques to understanding the finer details of coral husbandry, it was a very successful training.

We’re grateful for the chance to learn from the best and to bring this knowledge back into the field.🌊

The Pilot Deployments Program is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef
Trust and led by the Australian Institute of Marine Science. It is part of the Reef
Restoration and Adaptation Program, funded by the partnership between the Reef
Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

Ranger training starts with one simple goal: empower rangers with the skills to create lasting impact 🌎💪

From bush mechanics to basic repairs and maintenance, our rangers learn how to troubleshoot, fix equipment, and stay self-sufficient in remote environments. ⛏️⛏️

Training like this creates confident, capable leaders who can take these skills and apply them where they’re needed most.

Hands-on learning, real impact, and opportunities that last far beyond the program.😄

Science On Deck🔬

On our COTS vessels, the work doesn’t end with starfish culling. We also collect plankton samples which we then hand over to for their database and research.

Training for plankton sampling is conducted for every new crew member. But every year, a representative from AIMS joins us onboard to share updates and make sure our sampling methods stay accurate and consistent. 🧪🪸

It’s a small part of each trip, but it plays a big role in understanding the bigger picture. Happy to be able to contribute to science and collaboration.💪

Planned burns, when used with intention, knowledge, and collaboration, are one of the most effective tools we have to protect ecosystems and communities.

Queensland National Parks are carrying out one of the largest planned burns in over 50 years led and supported by Rangers from several regions. These burns help reduce fuel loads, protect towns, support natural regeneration, and create safer conditions for both people and wildlife.

Even healthy ecosystems can use a little help here and there are thrive to the fullest when being cared for.🌿🔥