Abstract for presentation at Biodiversity Extinction Crisis Conference - A Pacific Response

In recent years, there has been considerable investment of public funds in reforestation projects aimed at achieving conservation objectives in Australia. Responsibility for these projects has largely been devolved to landcare groups and other community-based environmental NGOs. However, the effective monitoring of reforestation projects poses significant challenges for community groups, for a range of technical and social reasons. The short-term and insecure funding available for revegetation projects has also created a difficult climate for implementing long-term monitoring programs. Consequently, despite a large investment in reforestation projects, the value of these projects for biodiversity remains poorly known. In this presentation, we discuss the development of a monitoring program aimed at improving knowledge of the outcomes of community-based revegetation projects in the Wet Tropics of north Queensland, Australia. The program involves collaboration between ecologists, revegetation practitioners and community groups, and has been partly funded by the regional NRM organisation. We consider technical issues (selection of suitable target variables, performance criteria, reference sites) and social issues (uptake by stakeholders) that have influenced the development of the program, and reflect on the necessary elements of an effective monitoring program for community reforestation projects in Australia.