Traditional landowners in the North West have been left devastated after a Chinese-owned company destroyed a large portion of sacred bushland allegedly without the appropriate permissions.

Environmental activist group Environs Kimberley has called on the state government to prosecute Shanghai Zenith for the unauthorised clearing of land at Yakka Munga pastoral lease, 120 kilometres east of Broome.

Traditional owner Rosita Shaw was distraught with the unauthorised landclearing at Yakka Munga pastoral lease by Chinese owned Shanghai Zenith. Credit:Environs Kimberley

Shanghai Zenith owns the lease to the land, which is used as part of the live export industry, while the traditional landowners are the custodians of the land.

WAtoday understands conditions of the lease include requirements for the international company to consult traditional owners on any work considered out of the ordinary.