“On Fire" night of discovery sheds light on savanna management

Charles Darwin University (CDU) researchers will share their expertise in a night of discovery about the impact of fire and various management techniques on savanna ecosystems around the world.

A joint event by Inspired NT and the Territory Science Forum, On Fire will be held on Tuesday 11 July at the Darwin Railway Club in Parap, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

CDU’s Northern Institute Researcher, Dr Rohan Fisher will demonstrate Projection Augmented Landscape Models (PALM) that simulating fire movement throughout savanna landscapes, bringing science and local First Nations knowledge together.

"Bringing science, Indigenous and local knowledge together is vital for fostering a deeper understanding of environmental history and science, particularly when it comes to managing land with fire," said Dr Fisher.

"By engaging in a two-way learning process, we can appreciate First Nations knowledge and deep understanding of the landscape and combine it with scientific expertise to develop effective strategies for savanna management."

University of Cape Town Professor Emeritus William Bond will discuss experiences with fire and tropical grassy ecosystems throughout the world.

CDU PhD candidate Francois Brassard will also share his photography of fires taken on various field trips in the NT, while studying the effects of fire and rainfall on ant communities of Northern Australia.

Inspired NT Manager Sarah Sutcliffe said the event bring together experts, researchers, and the community to foster a greater understanding of savannas and their management in the NT.

“This night of discovery is an incredible opportunity for everyone to immerse themselves in the marvels of savannas and gain a deeper appreciation for their sustainable management,” Ms Sutcliffe said.

“Our aim is to make savanna science accessible to the public, so we can encourage the community to want to help protect these magnificent ecosystems for generations to come."

Tickets available here.