ORIGINAL ARTICLE Challenges of diverse knowledge systems in landscape analysis of the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia Amanda H. Lynch 1 • David Griggs 2 • Lee Joachim 3 • Ed Salminen 4 • Chris Heider 4 • Tahl Kestin 2 • Xuan Zhu 5 • Siri Veland 1 Received: 19 June 2014 / Accepted: 10 October 2016 Ó Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2016 Abstract Geographic information systems are a means to develop a common framework for the integration of a range of perspectives into natural resources management decisions. The incorporation of these perspectives presents more than a technical challenge—diverse knowledge sys- tems make demands on the structure of geodatabases, the ways in which data are collected, held and interrogated, and the choices around which types of knowledge can and should be incorporated. Here, we investigate these ques- tions in the context of Indigenous Yorta Yorta knowledge contributions to the management of a sensitive region of the Murray–Darling Basin in Australia. Management of the Barmah-Millewa region and its natural resources is gov- erned by a wide array of sometimes inconsistent policies with differing regulatory frameworks and management foci. We find that (1) appropriate collection, management and database design protocols require substantive intel- lectual property protections and (2) once in place, spatial analysis can support management decisions without revealing sensitive information. Importantly, these proto- cols support the effective and respectful participation of the Yorta Yorta community in management of this ecologi- cally, economically and culturally important region. Keywords Indigenous knowledge Á Sustainability Á Land management Á Murray–Darling Basin Á Geographic information system Introduction ..I am concerned that so many so unprepared are setting out boldly to make land-use maps. There are few kinds of research which carry with them such tremendous social responsibility and which are so thoroughly difficult to perform effectively. Karl E. Francis (quoted in Tobias 2009, p 1) Editor: Sarah Gergel. & Amanda H. Lynch Amanda_Lynch@brown.edu David Griggs David.Griggs@monash.edu Lee Joachim ccwfac@yynac.com.au Ed Salminen esalminen@watershednet.com Chris Heider cheider@watershednet.com Tahl Kestin Tahl.Kestin@monash.edu Xuan Zhu Xuan.Zhu@monash.edu Siri Veland Siri_Veland@brown.edu 1 Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, Brown University, P.O. Box 1951, Providence, RI, USA 2 Monash Sustainability Institute, Monash University, Building 74, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia 3 Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, PO Box 1363, Shepparton, VIC 3632, Australia 4 Watershed Professionals Network, PO Box 1641, Philomath, OR 97370, USA 5 School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University, Building 28, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia 123 Reg Environ Change DOI 10.1007/s10113-016-1069-1