First Nations Peoples are Australia’s first scientists and country managers. Plants provide food, medicine, shelter, tools, and play a crucial role in ongoing cultural traditions.
Indigenous people remain the caretakers of ancient knowledge about culturally important species and land management practices that nurture Country and community.
The Seeds of Our Country Appeal is dedicated to strengthening First Nations leadership in seed conservation by supporting capacity building, two-way knowledge sharing, and empowering Indigenous women in conservation efforts.
By supporting this appeal, you can contribute to our long-term commitment to meaningful collaboration, while ensuring that Indigenous knowledge and leadership shape the future of plant conservation on-Country.
Your tax-deductible donation will create opportunities for Indigenous communities to lead conservation efforts
Empower First Nations leadership in plant conservation
Our immediate focus is to raise $15,000 to fund Indigenous women to attend a dedicated Indigenous Seed Workshop at our Australasian Seed Science Conference in 2025.
This culturally safe space will allow for learning, networking, and the exchange of traditional and scientific knowledge.
By supporting their attendance, you are investing in the future of First Nations-led seed conservation.
Co-designed pilot projects for seed conservation
If we exceed our initial target, funding will support the development of pilot seed conservation projects that will be co-designed with First Nations communities.
These projects will aim to:
- Support First Nations-led seed banking and conservation on Country
- Strengthen knowledge-sharing between Indigenous land managers and conservation scientists.
- Provide hands-on training and skill development tailored to community needs.
- Lay the groundwork for long-term seed conservation and ecological restoration efforts.
By funding these projects, we can create a future where First Nations knowledge and leadership are central to Australia’s seed conservation efforts.
Your support matters!
Your tax-deductible donation will:
- Empower First Nations leadership in plant conservation by building skills to nurture Country.
- Support Indigenous women to apply their knowledge in seed conservation.
- Protect native flora by investing in First Nations-led conservation and capacity building.
- Ensure traditional ecological knowledge continues to shape seed conservation on-Country.
Our commitment to meaningful collaboration with First Nations communities is already delivering real impact.
In 2023, the National Seed Bank (NSB) partnered with Aṉangu Traditional Owners at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park as part of our Rare Bloom Project. Together, they collected and banked native seeds to support conservation efforts in the park, ensuring that culturally significant flora can thrive for generations to come.
This collaboration was more than a conservation effort. By working together, NSB staff gained deeper insight into cultural traditions surrounding seed collection, while sharing western scientific methods in conservation with Aṉangu. This respectful exchange of knowledge has laid the foundation for future co-designed conservation initiatives, strengthening relationships between Aṉangu, park managers, and conservation scientists.
Your donation helps us build on this success, funding First Nations-led seed conservation and ensuring Indigenous leadership and knowledge remain at the heart of protecting Australia’s native flora.
How can you help?
Donate today
Your contribution directly supports Indigenous capacity building and initiation of future conservation projects.
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Every dollar helps grow the future of seed conservation on-Country.
Alternatively you can contact us to discuss your bequest further.
Recent appeals
See how we’ve put donations from previous appeals towards plant conservation successes!
Grass Roots Giving Project
Community donations to bank native grasslands
Seeds of Hope Project
Christmas appeal supporting an Endangered species
