An evaluation of previous and current methods and models for researching Indigenous resource use and purposes, with recommendations for ‘best practice’ research solutions

The research involved an extensive search, evaluation and critique of the published and unpublished literature on models of research in the international, national, regional and local domains. A special focus was trained on models of engagement between researcher and the research group, including participatory and collaborative models of research in the social and geographical/ environmental sciences. The report provides an overview and discussion of these forms of research and makes recommendations about developing some ‘best practice’ models for researching resource use in the Wet Tropics. Central to any research being undertaken on resource use in the Wet Tropics is the engagement of the appropriate Indigenous people. This engagement or active involvement in the research might range from people brokering the research project itself to being involved as full partners at every stage. There are a number of possibilities within these two ends of the spectrum. The nature and degree of research involvement will always depend on a number of factors, including: the research project itself; the desire of people to be involved in each project; and the skills base of all involved parties at the time. Crucial to developing ‘best practice’ in research is the development of appropriate research protocols and agreements. Protocols need to be sufficiently adaptive instruments which can be modified to reflect the contingencies of each research project. However, at base level they could be comprised of key principles which would remain non-negotiable