Get reliable science

To report about the extent to which a protected area is actually doing the job for which it exists we must be able to define natural and cultural integrity of the area; undertake some type of measurement on the extent to which integrity is conserved, analyse the results; and adjust management to maintain or improve our performance. An evaluation of Currawinya National Park indicates that the natural integrity of the park is being maintained despite long-term drought. Cultural integrity values are gradually being further protected through on-ground management actions. We examine the combination of scientific monitoring, expert opinion and 'local' knowledge in regards to formulating evaluation tools that may be applicable to a number of land uses.