Research & the Authority

Understanding our rainforests

If we are to protect the rainforest for future generations, we must understand it. The first step is to learn more about the extraordinary diversity of animals and plants and how they interact. Scientists also need to understand the changes taking place - both naturally occurring and human induced. Research results then need to be incorporated into how the World Heritage Area is managed.

Scientific Advisory Committee

The Scientific Advisory Committee was set up to advise the Authority's Board on scientific matters relevant to managing World Heritage Area. Members of the scientific community nominate for the committee and are appointed by the Board every three years. The committee meets several times a year to identify and evaluate research needs in all areas of science including the social, biological and physical sciences. The committee also evaluates the effectiveness of management strategies supported by the Authority, and may also be called upon to examine and advise on development proposals and perceived threats to the World Heritage Area.

Research and Information Needs [RAIN Report] (PDF Document 266kb)

The RAIN report for the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area has been developed by the Authority and the Scientific Advisory Committee in collaboration with other regional land management agencies. The Report is the culmination of a detailed investigation into the major land management issues, state of current knowledge with respect to these issues, and the research needed to support management decisions within the World Heritage Area.

The aim of the RAIN Report is to guide the Authority and other funding bodies, research organisations and other groups with an interest in the World Heritage Area, to identify opportunities for collaboration and areas for further exploration and attention. A major emphasis of the RAIN Report is on research which will enable current management practices to be tested, provide the baseline data necessary to design robust monitoring programs and to provide prescriptions for improved management of the Area. Such an emphasis will provide a means of critically testing and improving our current land management practices while engendering closer collaborative links between research providers and users.

Rainforest CRC

In 1993 the Commonwealth Government, Wet Tropics Management Authority, James Cook University, Griffith University, the University of Queensland and the CSIRO formed the Rainforest Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) as a national centre for understanding rainforest ecology and management. The Centre has its headquarters in Cairns and brings together the capabilities and facilities of the nation's leading rainforest research organisations. The results of the Rainforest CRC research are being incorporated into best practice land management for the World Heritage Area.

In 1999 the CRC received funding commitments for a further seven years, with a Commonwealth contribution of $16 million together with $3 million in cash and $40 million in-kind from the CRC's partners. A recent review of the Rainforest CRC found it was one of the top research institutions of its kind in the world. It now features a wider partnership base with the inclusion of the tourism industry, Aboriginal interests, and government land management agencies, which will result in stronger links with the users of research findings. Given Australia is the only developed country in the world to have tropical rainforest on its mainland, the CRC is in an ideal position to achieve one of its key objectives - to become a model for similar centres throughout the world.

To learn more about the Rainforest CRC's research projects, visit their website. The Centre also publishes a series of information sheets called "Using Rainforest Research" for tourism business operators, World Heritage managers, forestry managers, state government departments, educators and others. To join the mailing list, contact the Rainforest CRC at PO Box 6811, Cairns, Qld, 4870 Australia or send an email to rainforestcrc@jcu.edu.au.