Colonial Cartography and World Heritage Valuing in Takayna Country: A Reflection on the Use of the Simple Additive Weighted Method

Abstract

In many regions there are disputes about future land use that make knowledge of spatial variation in conservation value an important input to negotiation. Current approaches to measuring spatial conservation values for the purposes of recognition and protection remain largely trapped in colonising cartographic methodologies that marginalise Indigenous knowledges and valuing of Indigenous lands (country). One such current approach is simple additive weighted methods which are unable to recognise relational values. We reflect on the use of these methods in the case study of Takayna country, in Trouwerner and Lutruwita/Tasmania, Australia. The hegemonic IUCN framework for protected areas is yet to be decolonised, allowing the settler state to value Takayna country though white possession of conservation without its Aboriginal values. In recognition of these fundamental deficiencies, we attempt to mitigate the limitations of the simple additive weighted method by including additional values of importance. We weighted the importance of individual heritage attributes by assessing the global concentration of representation of individual values in the region and relating the degree of concentration to recognised criteria for international, national, State and regional significance. Our analysis indicated that much of the region was of global significance on several natural criteria, with the coast and the inland rainforest areas standing out for their high conservation value. Despite our conclusion that Takayna country has internationally significant values that may meet World Heritage criteria iii, v, vi, vii and x, we demonstrate that colonial cartography is unjust and unable to measure, interpret and resolve disputed conservation values of sovereign bodies of country. Alternative approaches that address the past neglect of cultural values and enable strong Indigenous governance, formal recognition of First Peoples, and land return, are crucial for integrating First Peoples' knowledges, caring for country and relationships with country into conservation planning and management, ultimately improving conservation outcomes.