They include major centres of biodiversity, often coinciding with centres of cultural diversity where traditional ecological knowledge is maintained.

UNESCO: Ecological Sciences and Research

Dr Fogarty says such rich diversity is a repository of thousands of years ecological, spiritual and social knowledge built up by generations of Australia's first peoples.

BBC: Lost indigenous language revived in Australia

Local people usually have a better knowledge of local ecological conditions than experts in faraway capitals, as well as a direct interest in improving the quality of life in their village.

ECONOMIST: Local difficulties