Isolation of “Terra Australis” followed the break-up of super-continent Gondwana. It leaded to an independent evolution of animal and vegetal species. Species populating Australia show us the richness and diversity of Nature. Aborigines are more likely to testify about this richness. Their ancestral traditions are linked with their relationship with the Country. They have been running all over this continent for centuries, a lot of time before Captain Cook anchored at Botany Bay in the 17th century.
Dampier Peninsula, also known as « Ardi » in local language, is located in the north-west part of Australie and houses some biological treasures of Australia. At the edge of Kimberley, Western Australia, this peninsula has a sub-tropical climate.
Goolarabooloo community is living in this region, near the little town of Broome (15000 inhabitants). This community works at conserving ancestors’ customs. Culture and law of Goolarabooloo people are codified and materialised in a « Song-Cycle ». This cycle follows the “Bugarregarre” : an awaken dreaming time, when past, present and future form a unique entity. Cultural heritage and country richness depends on this Dreaming time. Native people of the peninsula have been protecting this country for thousands of years and succeeded in preserving the delicate equilibrium of the ecosystems which compound it. Richard
Hunter, cultural law boss, use to compare the environment surrounding him with a classroom, a real living museum.
Accompanied with this very special professor, we will enter this museum of biodiversity.
However, another richness make this country the ground of desire. The resources of sub-soils interest the multinational mining and gas companies already widely established in Western Australia. A project of gas plant in the heart of this country is about to change dramatically the cultural and natural equilibrium. A large part of the local population tries to cope this project of establishment but economic fallout put the local governance under pressure. Consultations are actually leaded to study alternative solutions.