In the Wet Tropics of North Queensland on Eastern Kuku Yalanji Country, a sacred conservation space lies.

Wawu Dimbi – meaning "place of inner spirit" in Yalanji language – is a significant cultural site for the Eastern Yalanji people.

Spanning over 176.43 hectares, Wawu Dimbi holds important wetlands and vegetation connecting to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, providing a habitat for endangered species.

On Tuesday a landmark moment in Wawu Dimbi's history was heralded, with the area divested to the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC) from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC).

Originally purchased in 1984, the property within the Traditional lands of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji (EKY) people was transferred from ATSIC to the ILSC in 2005 and is adjacent to Daintree National Park with approximately 600m of Daintree River frontage.

In 2021, Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku Aboriginal Corporation (BBNAC), Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (Jabalbina) and the ILSC agreed to transition lease arrangements and future ownership from BBNAC to Jabalbina on behalf of EKY people.

Prior to Tuesday's divestment, the ILSC replaced JYAC's tractor and other farm equipment, giving JYAC control of their own land management on the property, and has invested more than $500,000 to ensure the property meets JYAC's future needs.

JYAC has so far managed several Elder events, ranger activities and revegetation programs, as well as youth justice and cultural initiatives on Wawu Dimbi.

These include JYAC's On Healing Country Camp to enhance the spiritual awareness of youths, and the JYAC Sea Country Program that promotes sustainable land and sea management practices in EKY Sea Country.

Now there are plans for Wawu Dimbi, which JYAC hopes will address dispossession, rectify social problems and enhance economic opportunities in the region. Key projects in the pipeline include reforesting Wawu Dimbi, and building additional housing on site for the long-term accommodation of EKY members.

Indigenous cultural eco-tourism is also on the horizon, with JYAC's tourism ventures – which include a visitor centre and tour bus operation – primed to boom once the land is returned to Traditional Owners.

JYAC chief operations officer and senior ranger Kallum Clarke said the ILSC divestment was crucial to the prosperity of EKY people and their dreams for self-determination.

"It is so important we now have this property to go back home," Mr Clarke said.

"It is the realisation of the aspirations of our old people who didn't want to leave Daintree mission but were forced to."

After more than 30 years of different management and caretakers, having Wawu Dimbi returned to the EKY people was a monumental moment.

"The land was originally lobbied back in the late 70s early 80s by our Elders at that time, to try and help Bama return to live on Daintree River... to do farming and other aspirations those old people had for future generations," Mr Clarke said.

"However several changes of management and caretakers meant there was no proper business planning … one was drawn up but it never went anywhere from there."

While there had already been past reforestation on the property, the new era opened a great opportunity to continue regeneration of the rainforests that once stood there, provide a place for Bama to return for holidays and eventually permanently live, and open economic opportunities.

"We plan to continue our junior rangers program, collaborate with other community organisations to have cultural camps, create tourism through cultural tours, small scale hiking and camping, plus many other initiatives in discussion," JYAC vice chairperson Laurel Denman said.

ILSC group chief executive Joe Morrison said the divestment was significant given the corporation's history with the property for the past 20 years.

"Wawu Dimbi has finally been returned to its rightful Traditional Owners, the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, who will manage and care for this Country in a respectful and profound way," he said.

He hoped the divestment would lead to promising outcomes and greater success for Wawu Dimbi, JYAC and the local community.

"Witnessing this sacred land be divested into the capable hands of JYAC is an honour, and I congratulate JYAC on this long-awaited and well-deserved achievement," Mr Morrison said.

Wawu Dimbi is at 941 Forest Creek Road, Forest Creek, approximately 40kms from Mossman.