Tropical Futures Program

Did you know that 40 percent of Australia's land mass lies in the tropics? From living, working and thriving in the tropics, Australians, both Indigenous and non Indigenous, have developed significant expertise in the diverse field of tropical science, knowledge and innovation. Australia has first class capabilities in this area and is well placed to make a significant contribution to the scientific challenges faced by tropical regions, both nationally and internationally.

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To promote and capitalise on the significant opportunities that exist in the diverse field of tropical science, knowledge and innovation in Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia have agreed to work cooperatively and collaboratively to further their respective achievements and strengths in this area, and have formalised this intention by signing the Cooperative Framework on Tropical Science, Knowledge and Innovation in March 2004. The Cooperative Framework is available from Tropical Futures Australia (http://www.tropicalfutures.nt.gov.au/).

The Framework, in place for 10 years, commits the three governments to action in the following overarching objectives:

• Enhancing the economic performance of northern Australia
• Protecting the unique tropical landscapes
• Improving the quality of life of people living in the tropics of Australia and other nations

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Major project under development include:

• Tropical health – the goal of this project is to enhance Northern Australia's preparedness and response capacity against emerging infectious disease threats, through the
• establishment of a "centre without walls" for tropical science knowledge and innovation
  Tropical environmental management
• Australian tropical research capacity database

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