Ana Lara Heyns' talk, titled "Relational and Water-Respectful Methodologies in Melbourne," offered a unique perspective on how Australian Indigenous practices can inform modern approaches to water management and urban planning. Lara began by contextualizing her work in Melbourne, acknowledging the Wurundjeri people as the traditional custodians of the land. She explained how her research focuses on integrating Indigenous water memories into current urban processes, looking towards the future and climate change. A key point in her presentation was the explanation of the concept of "country" in Aboriginal Australian culture. Lara described how this term goes beyond a delimited territory, encompassing a holistic vision that includes the sky, land, culture, identity, and all living beings. The expert discussed the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act of 2017, which grants legal personhood to the Yarra River. She explained how this legislation recognizes the river as a living ancestral entity, fundamentally changing how this water resource is managed and protected. Lara presented the case study of the Willam Park Reserve, a former golf course transformed into a park incorporating water-sensitive design principles. She highlighted how this project, led by an Indigenous council, has restored the local ecosystem and created a space that honors the memory of water. She also spoke about Budj Bim, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as an example of how Indigenous communities transformed a volcanic landscape into a sophisticated water management and aquaculture system. Lara concluded her presentation by reflecting on the similarities and potential knowledge exchanges between Indigenous practices in Australia and Mexico. She emphasized the importance of these water-respectful methodologies in addressing current challenges in urban sustainability and water resource management. This talk not only illustrated innovative approaches to water management in Australia but also demonstrated how Indigenous knowledge can inform and enhance modern practices in urban planning and sustainability. Lara's presentation reinforced the idea that intercultural dialogue and respect for traditional knowledge are crucial for developing effective solutions to global environmental challenges.
