The Desert Knowledge CRC is a national research network linking Indigenous and local knowledge with science and education to improve the livelihoods of people living in desert regions. The CRC incorporates four major themes:

1. Natural resource management for better livelihoods.
2. Technical services for improved community viability.
3. Governance, management and leadership for sustainable futures.
4. Integrated systems for desert livelihoods.

The main partners in the CRC are Central Land Council, Charles Darwin University, CSIRO, Curtin University of Technology, Desert Peoples Centre, NT Government and WA Department of Agriculture. NSW Department of Primary Industries is an Associate Partner of the CRC.

NSW DPI research within the CRC to date has involved a collaborative role in the project Review of Existing Desert, Environmental and Societal Brands. A key objective of the study is to provide guidance to the CRC Board and Management concerning critical features of ‘appellation branding’ that may be used in development of an Australian desert brand program. The project, involving a desk top study, is nearing completion and will summarise in lay mans terms the theory of branding and how it is applied to products from a defined geographical region (‘appellation’), especially those involving environmental and socio-cultural attributes. This project is located within theme 4 (Integrated systems for desert livelihoods) but is closely linked to both themes 1 and 3.

More information about the Desert Knowledge CRC is available at www.desertknowledge.com.au.