National Climate Change Adaptation Research Plan Terrestrial Biodiversity: Update Report 2013

Abstract

National Climate Change Adaptation Research Plans (NARPs) are produced for nine key sectors where adaptation response is critical in safeguarding against climate and climate change risks to social, economic and environmental well-being. The purpose of a NARP is to identify priority needs in developing knowledge on how governments, businesses and communities can best adapt to the risks of climate variability and climate change. Development of NARPs involves the active contribution of both the research community and adaptation knowledge users. The NARP for Terrestrial Biodiversity (Terrestrial Biodiversity NARP) (Hughes et al. 2010) is concerned with identifying priority research questions (PRQs) for terrestrial climate change adaptation issues at the national, state, regional and local scales. Research focused on these priority questions should support governments, conservation agencies, businesses, landholders, community organisations and individuals to make sound decisions about climate change adaptation initiatives for terrestrial biodiversity. The Terrestrial Biodiversity NARP and Implementation Plan have been revisited in 2012, as part of NCCARF’s review processes. The PRQs are being updated to ensure currency and to provide guidance for research investment over the next five years.