Anniversary of Murujuga’s World Heritage Inscription

11 July 2025

On 11 July 2025, the World Heritage Committee in Paris inscribed the Murujuga Cultural Landscape on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The anniversary recognises Ngarda-Ngarli Traditional Owners and Custodians and the long work for international recognition.

Ngarda-Ngarli leadership and Country

The Western Australian Government identifies the Committee’s decision date as Friday 11 July. This calendar uses that Paris decision date. Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation explains that the inscription followed years of effort led by Traditional Owners and Custodians through the Corporation.

Recognition and continuing protection

UNESCO describes a deeply storied land and seascape encompassing the Burrup Peninsula, Dampier Archipelago and surrounding marine and submerged areas. Its cultural significance cannot be reduced to individual images separated from Country and Lore.

World Heritage status is an achievement, but inscription is not evidence that every threat has disappeared or every Traditional Owner holds the same view about development and protection. The history should recognise the campaign and the continuing responsibilities associated with caring for the landscape.

The anniversary provides a strong opportunity to learn about rock art, cultural landscapes and community-led heritage advocacy. Use authorised Ngarda-Ngarli accounts and follow guidance about images and access. Avoid treating ancient cultural material as a free design resource or substituting a tourism description for the voices of its custodians.

Reflecting and learning

Compare the Corporation’s explanation with UNESCO’s description. What can a global heritage system recognise, and why does local cultural authority remain essential?

Start with the sources below and distinguish the original event from later interpretations and commemorations. When using this date in a classroom or workplace, allow time for questions and further reading. First Nations peoples have diverse histories and perspectives; this brief introduction does not speak for every community.

Sources and further reading

• World Heritage Listing — Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation
• Murujuga Cultural Landscape World Heritage Area — Western Australian Government
• Murujuga Cultural Landscape — UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Our related products and resources

We do not currently offer products or learning resources specifically for this date. The reading links above are provided for background and further learning. Suitable items from our range will be added here as they become available.