Engagement of local Aboriginal communities in wetland management and conservation is a key objective of the Natural Resources SA Murray-Darling Basin (NR SAMDB) wetland and floodplain program. The program actively engages  a number of Ngarrindjeri Communities within the SA MDB region, Aboriginal Learning on Country (ALOC) Teams and Organisations (e.g. Ngarrindjeri Regional Authority), through the NR SAMDB Community Partnerships program, in a range of wetland and floodplain management, monitoring and on-ground activities.

In the last two years, particular progress has been made in regard to the development of wetland management plans, that incorporate both sound technical and scientific advice regarding the hydrological management of a particular wetland, while also incorporating the knowledge of Elders, language and spiritual ties (e.g. Dreamtime) into a management document. In the last 12 months, several ALOC Teams, and the Mannum Aboriginal Community Incorporated Association have been actively involved in, monitoring and on-ground works. The teams have become proficient in standard monitoring techniques for example the use of 'The Living Murray' tree health assessment method, and have undertaken a number of on-ground works projects including improving habitat through reed and willow control, training in pig control, mapping of pest plant and animals, fencing of  River Red Gum saplings and set-up of a trial watering system.