CDU launches native bushfoods and botanicals hub

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is establishing a northern Australian hub for the study of native bushfoods and botanicals.

Located at CDU’s Katherine Rural Campus (KRC), the Bushfoods, Botanicals & Community Precinct aims to protect First Nations knowledge and intellectual property rights while exploring agricultural practices for native plants.

CDU Associate Vice-Chancellor Big Rivers Region Alison Brook said the initial plan for the precinct was to lead the way in capacity-building in the native plants industries.

“The focus of the partnership group will be to deeply engage and consult with community and First Nations groups to deliver a precinct plan that supports industry, community and regional needs, and aspirations,” Brook said.

The project will explore the use of KRC’s existing infrastructure and facilities, as well as purpose-built indoor and outdoor teaching spaces, native landscaping and botanical plantings around teaching areas, trial growing plots and more.

CDU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Community Connections Professor Steve Rogers said CDU KRC was well placed for this project given its background in agriculture and current expansion of agribusiness research.

“CDU already has programs that support Traditional Owners to document native plants usage and traditional growing techniques; this hub would allow for further testing and documentation for traditional bush food and botanical production methods while preserving cultural methods and significance,” Rogers said.

The hub is one step closer after receiving $2.5 million in funding from the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program. Its planning will be jointly led by CDU and First Nations partner organisations who will begin to conduct community and industry consultations to inform and guide design works, including how to protect Indigenous intellectual property and deliver a shovel-ready project for Stream 2 of the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.

CDU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman said the funding not only supports the local campus’s activities but the whole region.

“This precinct will be representing key activities across the region and CDU — including agriculture, First Nations knowledge, education, training and research — with a goal of providing further economic development opportunities and progression of regional goals,” Bowman said.

“CDU is committed to providing economic growth in the regions — and by prioritising education and Indigenous knowledge, this precinct will provide additional opportunities for the people who call this region home.”

CDU KRC has received $5 million in Commonwealth funding over the last two years to support education, training and research in the region.

Image caption: The proposed Big Rivers Region Bushfoods, Botanicals & Community Precinct seeks to create a safe space for knowledge sharing and protection of First Nations intellectual property. Image courtesy of CDU.