Research Framework
To achieve the Research Vision, a Research Framework is proposed which both focuses on building the understanding of what makes the Reef resilient and, more importantly, generates innovative solutions, to ensure adaptation and/or solutions to climate change.
The Framework, shown below, spans threats, impacts, solutions and adaptations and integrates a monitoring and reporting system.
Framework Components
Pressures/Threats
The threat of climate change looms as the most potent – and imminent – of challenges to the Reef’s future. Studies have shown that the acidification and warming of the oceans are expected to have devastating effects on the Great Barrier Reef, even in the short term. A broader understanding and quantification of the threats and impacts of climate change and compounding threats (e.g. land run-off, fishing, shipping, etc.) is needed to work towards the Foundation’s Vision.
Exposure & Resilience of the Reef
It is critical to establish what biophysical, social and economic features make the Reef “resilient” to the threats of climate change. Work in this area investigates the key attributes of a resilient Reef in the face of climate change.
The attributes of a resilient Great Barrier Reef are the focus of the Foundation however these attributes may be applicable to reefs globally.
Solutions and Adaptations 
What actions can be taken to protect and preserve the Great Barrier Reef from the impacts of climate change? Innovation and development of these actions occurs within the solutions and adaptation field.
Solutions seek to directly minimise or reduce climate change impacts on the Reef, while adaptation strategies seek to best manage and respond to those impacts across the biophysical, institutional, social and economic domains. All solutions and adaptation actions should have a measureable effect on the attributes.
Policy/Planning
This research framework is driven towards practical outcomes that managers, policy makers and users will be able to draw on as the effects of climate change are felt on the Reef.
Monitoring, evaluation and reporting system
A monitoring, evaluation and reporting system is critical to audit the effectiveness of the over-all framework and will include:
- The condition of the different attributes (and hence, the health/resilience/sustainability of the reefs) and across space;
- The effectiveness of solutions and adaptation interventions, as well as management and policy responses.