Program goal
The Native Vegetation and Biodiversity R&D Program, with projects commencing from 2006, will undertake focused research and development to improve the management and use of Australia's native vegetation and biodiversity resources to enhance the delivery of ecosystem goods and services.
With an investment of five million dollars, the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity R&D Program will develop collaborative partnerships with a wide range of agencies with similar interests. The program's geographic focus will extend to the woodland and rangeland ecosystems of Australia, especially northern Australia.
Research Themes
A management committee will guide the research program which will focus on the following six themes:
- Understanding and valuing landscape processes, including the role and function of biodiversity in the delivery of ecosystem services
- Understanding risks and threatening processes in order to develop effective responses
- Understanding ecosystem processes, condition and dynamics
- Informing policy and management - developing Australia's capacity to effectively manage vegetation and biodiversity
- Enhancing national R&D capacity in native vegetation, ecosystem services and biodiversity
- Effective communication and adoption of knowledge
Research projects
Within these themes, fifteen new projects have now commenced. The projects are diverse and cover topics such as landscape design, the role of fire, waterpoint management, the value of regrowth in conserving biodiversity and improving the understanding of genetic flows for maintaining the persistence of local species.