One of the Authority's legislative functions is to 'gather, research, analyse and disseminate information on the wet tropics area'. In practice, this has meant:
The Authority is building on its long history of research leadership and collaboration over the past 25 years to promote Australia's Wet Tropics as an international learning landscape. The Wet Tropics has the potential to become a focus both for tropical ecosystem research and World Heritage management. The Learning Landscape concept will promote the Wet Tropics as:
You can read more on our Research and a Learning Landscape page.
Previously, the Authority published regular ebulletins on Wet Tropics research. These newsletters showcased Wet Tropics research and related management and policy issues.
You can read the previous editions on our Learning Landscape eBullletin page.
The Wet Tropics 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 evaluates the effectiveness of management strategies supported by the Authority and may also advise on development proposals and perceived threats to the World Heritage Area. See the Scientific Advisory Committee page for more details.
Counting cassowary populations, replanting rainforests cheaply and effectively, stopping the spread of weeds and feral animals, the impacts of fire and promoting use and enjoyment of the Area - these are just some of our many research needs. You can read all the details on our research priorities page.
The research reports section contains those reports directly commissioned and funded by the Authority. Mapping the vegetation of the Wet Tropics was a major research project undertaken by the Authority in collaboration with Peter and David Stanton. You can read more about it on the vegetation maps page.
In 2012 the Authority provided funding to assist post graduate students to research a wide range of issues related to management of the World Heritage Area. You can read about the grants scheme and the research students on the student research grants page.