Although the so-called Wet Tropics rainforests of
North Queensland were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1988,
little was known about the biological diversity of the region, and
the burgeoning tourism industry had little information.
Furthermore, the Wet Tropics Management Authority, charged with the
responsibility of developing policies that would lead to the
protection of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, required a
strong scientific basis for such policies. By the end of the first
phase of the Rainforest CRC, they had developed a strong
biodiversity knowledge base that supported the development of
planning and conservation policy by agencies such as the Wet
Tropics Management Authority.
In 1999, the Minister for Education, Science and Training
announced that the Rainforest CRC was successful in seeking a
second term of funding. In the previous year, the Centre's Fifth
Year Review panel had made the following comment:
"The Cooperative Research Centre for Tropical Rainforest Ecology
and Management (CRC-TREM) was funded to establish world class
research in rainforest ecology and in the transfer of research
outcomes to users of research in conservation and management. In
five years it has made remarkable progress towards achieving these
objectives and has become one of the top three institutions of its
kind in the world."
Although great progress had been made in meeting the research
needs and aspirations of the region's stakeholders, much research
was still required for these to be fully realised. The new
Rainforest CRC had grown from its first phase structure of just
five partners, with the Wet Tropics Management Authority identified
as the key industry stakeholder, to now include stakeholders
representing the tourism industry, local and State Governments,
natural resource management bodies and Indigenous groups. The
Business Plan of 1999 reflected the various aspirations of the new
stakeholders, and during its term the Rainforest CRC went a long
way to meet those aspirations. Today, it is difficult to identify
any tropical forest region in the world that has such an in-depth
knowledge and strong management base.
Mission and Vision
To support the sustainable use, management and conservation of
Australia's tropical rainforests through world class research,
training and technology transfer.
To see the rainforests of Australia managed and utilised in a
scientifically sound and sustainable manner to yield economic and
social benefits to the community while ensuring conservation of the
unique cultural and natural features of the rainforest.
Rainforest CRC's Objectives
Regional Management:
To create a management framework for ecologically
sustainable management and conservation of rainforest regions.
Regional Conservation:
To provide a sound scientific basis for conservation and
management of the rainforest's natural and cultural features.
Rainforest Tourism:
To assist in the development of a vibrant tourism industry that
is in harmony with the rainforest resource on which its long term
existence depends.
Indigenous Involvement:
To promote Indigenous involvement in all facets of research and
management which will incorporate recognition and respect for
Indigenous rights and interests.
Rainforests Globally:
To establish the Rainforest CRC as a model for delivery of
rainforest research and sustainable management.
Centre Management:
To continue as a major international and international force
will into the 21st Century.
