Capacity Building Framework for Cultural Heritage Values in the Wet Tropics

The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is recognised for its outstanding universal values related to biodiversity. In 2012, it was also listed for rainforest Aboriginal cultural heritage values on the National Heritage Listing. The Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Cultural Values Project commissioned the development of a capacity development framework and core messaging for incorporation into the Wet Tropics Cultural Values Management Plan (CVMP). A stakeholder analysis was conducted, and consultations/interviews were undertaken with Rainforest Aboriginal people and non-Indigenous external stakeholders. A capacity development framework was developed, building on the strengths and areas of development of the Rainforest Aboriginal peoples. Additionally, the project focused on communications of core messaging to different audiences relating to Indigenous cultural values of the Wet Tropics, including identification of core messaging and methods of dissemination and engagement.Capacity building is a complex term with no universally agreed definition but is often referred to as a process in which individuals, organisations and communities develop capabilities to set their own development agendas. The approaches adopted for the capacity building framework are strengths-based and developmental to support and empower Rainforest Aboriginal peoples to achieve their aspirations.The capacity needs in the Wet Tropics operate at individual, family, clan, organisational and systemic level covering capacities which are technical, cultural and organisational. The capacity building is needed for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.