I’ve just returned from a workshop in the Top End to support the mid-term review of a Healthy Country Plan. These moments are always a great reminder of how important it is to pause, reflect, and assess progress together with the Indigenous Ranger Groups who care most about Country.

Mid-term reviews are not just a box-ticking exercise—they are a chance to look honestly at what’s working well, what challenges have emerged, and where we need to adjust course. They keep the plan alive and relevant, ensuring it continues to reflect community priorities and ecological realities.

In this process, we draw on the power of the Conservation Standards (CS), which provide a clear framework not only for planning, but also for adaptation and learning. Using the CS helps measure progress against agreed-upon outcomes, strengthens accountability, and informs decisions based on both evidence and cultural knowledge.