The Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods (RIEL) is nationally and globally recognised as a leader in tropical savanna research in north Australia. RIEL’s research strengths in the region include biodiversity conservation, functional ecology, savanna and arid environments, water and catchments, and communities and livelihoods.  RIEL works with our partners in northern Australia and the region to ensure sustainable management of these unique ecosystems. Co-operative research and traditional ecological knowledges are a key aspect of RIEL’s research practice. RIEL’s ‘livelihoods approach’ explores the co-existence between people and country, while recognising the services provided by a healthy environment.