Adaptation planning approach for protected places

Australia’s world heritage areas are facing the threat of climate change. That’s why adaptation planning is needed in protected places now.

These protected places hold significant biodiversity and cultural values. This project works with 2 of Australia’s iconic protected places – Kakadu National Park, and the Queensland section the Gondwana rainforest World Heritage Area. The project is looking to apply the Climate Change Toolkit for World Heritage Properties in Australia, published by the Australian government in 2022.

The toolkit was designed to support adaptation planning in protected places. It was accompanied by an updated vulnerability assessment for all of Australia’s World Heritage properties. There is now a need for individual properties to apply the toolkit, build on the outcomes of the vulnerability assessment, and begin implementing management responses. There is also an opportunity to test the practical implementation of the approach to different properties.

Partnering with Parks Australia and the and the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation this project will continue building and supporting adaptation planning for World Heritage areas.

Want to know more?
Please contact: Sarah Boulter, Climate Adaptation Initiative Lead