ABSTRACT In the Murrumbidgee catchment of the Murray-Darling Basin, wetlands, rivers and other waterscapes are important features of Country for Aboriginal peoples. The Murrumbidgee River is the most heavily regulated river system in the Murray-Darling Basin. Discussion around the use of Murrumbidgee water is framed as a conflict between sustaining rural communities and using water to support ecological values, yet the voices of Aboriginal custodians are relatively unheard in this discussion. Using culturally important wetland plants as a starting point, this paper explores the understanding and perception of some Aboriginal people in relation to their Country and water. The grief of participants as they experience the degradation of their Country was palpable. The strong message that Country should be considered in its entirety—including ecological, social and cultural aspects—contrasts with current ownership and other institutional arrangements. Improving opportunities for communities and water managers to share knowledge and information, an openness to use Aboriginal wisdom, and careful ongoing management of environmental and cultural water have the potential to achieve positive cultural and ecological outcomes in the Murrumbidgee.

中文翻译：

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新南威尔士州 Murrumbidgee 流域的澳大利亚土著人改变水资源管理的后果

摘要 在墨累-达令盆地的穆伦比吉流域，湿地、河流和其他水景是土著人民国家的重要特征。Murrumbidgee 河是 Murray-Darling 盆地中管制最严格的河流系统。围绕 Murrumbidgee 水使用的讨论被认为是维持农村社区与利用水支持生态价值之间的冲突，但在这次讨论中，原住民监护人的声音相对来说是闻所未闻的。本文以具有重要文化意义的湿地植物为起点，探讨了一些原住民对其国家和水源的理解和看法。参与者在经历国家退化时的悲痛是显而易见的。与当前的所有权和其他制度安排形成对比的强烈信息是，国家应该从整体上考虑——包括生态、社会和文化方面。改善社区和水资源管理者分享知识和信息的机会、使用土著智慧的开放态度以及对环境和文化水的谨慎持续管理有可能在 Murrumbidgee 实现积极的文化和生态成果。