July 2011

Dear Reader

Welcome to the July 2011 issue of START’s E-Newsletter.

We are pleased to share news of START’s achievements in:

and information about Upcoming Events in 2011

We appreciate your continued interest and support!

Communication

In the context of ICSU's Program on Integrated Research on Disaster Risk: Cities at Risk
Building Adaptive Capacities for Managing Climate Change Risks in Asian Coastal
Cities (CAR II)

The second international conference – Cities at Risk: Building Adaptive Capacities for Managing Climate Change Risks in Asian Coastal Cities (CAR II) – was held from 11-13 April 2011 in Taipei, Taiwan. With support from the Academy of Sciences located in Taipei, Taiwan and other partners, the conference aimed to assess progress, to consolidate a network of researchers, decision‐makers and institutions in the region and to identify priorities for the next several years. The conference resulted in the initiation of city-level adaptation / disaster risk reduction stakeholder dialogue programs in Jakarta, Indonesia and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to begin later in 2011.

CAR II is sponsored by the IRDR International Center of Excellence and hosted by the Academia Sinica, Taipei. The conference is co-organized by START, the East-West Center and CCaR (Canada). Below are the presentations from the workshop. More information is forthcoming.

To review the CAR II Workshop Presentations, please visit http://start.org/programs/cities-at-risk/carii-workshop-presentations

To learn more about the Cities at Risk initiative, please visit http://start.org/programs/cities-at-risk

Global Change Library

The START Global Change e-library was recently launched. The e-library is dedicated to providing up-to-date information about global environmental change and development to a broad range of decision makers. The library contains workshop reports, case studies, assessment products, scientific literature that is not copyright protected, and other publically accessible information. A major goal of the library is to compile the wealth of research and case studies generated in developing countries, which is generally overlooked by major global assessments.

This library is a joint effort of START, the UN Environment Programme, the World Meteorological Organization, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the University of Ghana, the University of Dar es Salaam, and the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies. Financial support for the library is provided by the European Commission, with additional support from UNEP.

To access the Global Change Library, please visit http://startinternational.org/library

Capacity Building

In the context of Adaptation: African Climate Change Fellowship Program (ACCFP)

Successful completion of Phase 1: A culmination conference for Phase 1 of the ACCFP was held 8-10 December 2010 in Dakar, Senegal. The conference featured presentations by the 44 Fellows and by experts from the Host and Home institutions of the Fellows. The Fellows graduated from the program during a ceremony held at the conclusion of the conference.

Announcing Phase 2: The Institute of Resource Assessment (IRA) at the University of Dar es Salaam is currently implementing ACCFP Phase II in collaboration with START. This phase will have two rounds of Fellowships to support young researchers, academics and professional in climate change adaptation. The ACCFP Secretariat was recently established at IRA and Host Institutions for the second phase of the program were recently selected. The first call for fellowship applications was announced in May 2011 and the process of selecting Fellows for this round is expected to be completed by the end of July. The second call will be announced in the last quarter of 2011. Please visit the ACCFP website for more information on current and new opportunities www.accfp.org.

Peruse additional photos of the ACCFP Culmination Conference on START's Facebook Page

Download ACCFP Final Technical Report

To learn more about the ACCFP, please visit http://start.org/programs/accfp1

To support the Global Framework for Climate Services: Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) program

The Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) program was recently initiated by the World Climate Research Program with the aim of developing an international coordinated framework for generating improved regional climate change projections worldwide. For Africa, CORDEX presents an unprecedented opportunity to advance knowledge of regional climate responses to global climate change, and for these insights to feed into on-going climate adaptation and risk assessment research, policy planning, and development in the region. START is partnering with the University of Cape Town’s Climate Systems Analysis Group, the World Climate Research Program, the Climate and Development Knowledge Network, the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, and the Swedish Meteorological-Hydrological Institute to develop an Africa-wide training program that aims to develop the capacity and expertise within the region to analyze, interpret and apply CORDEX results to decision making in terms that are relevant to Africa’s knowledge needs.

To learn more about the first and second phases of this initiative, please visit http://start.org/cordex-africa

Research & Assessments

START Grants for Global Environmental Change (GEC) Research
in Africa

START is pleased to announce the grantees for the 2011 START Grants for Global Environmental Change Research in Africa. The theme of this year's Call for Applications was climate change, agriculture, and food security with an emphasis on the sustainability of ecosystem services. In 2011, 16 grants have been awarded to 64 cooperating scientists across 16 African countries as portrayed by the map to the left (click to enlarge map).

Support for this Africa grants program is provided by the US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) through the US National Science Foundation, the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) and the Climate Change, Agriculture, and Food Security (CCAFS) initiative.

The grants are:

Forests

“Management of Ecosystems Services of the Forests of Southwest Nigeria in Support of Rural Livelihoods and Food Security”
Principal Investigator: Dr. ADEKUNLE, Victor Jimoh Ajibola, Federal University of Technology, NIGERIA Co-Investigators: Dr. OKUNLOLA, James Olaniyi, Federal University of Technology, NIGERIA, Dr. OKE, David Olarewaju, Federal University of Technology, NIGERIA

“Reducing Tropical Deforestation and the Protection of Ecosystem Services to Support Food Security in Southwest Cameroon”
Principal Investigator: Dr. AJONINA, Gordon Nwutih, Cameroon Wildlife Conservation Society (CWCS), CAMEROON Co-Investigators: Dr. CHUYONG, George Bindeh, University of Buea, CAMEROON, Ms. USONGO, Patience Abaufei, University of Buea, CAMEROON

“Changes in tree reproductive phenology: causes and implications in and around Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda”
Principal Investigator: Dr. BABWETEERA, Fred, Budongo Conservation Field Station, UGANDA Co-Investigators: Assoc Prof. NYEKO, Philip, Makerere University, UGANDA, Dr. AGEA, Jacob, Makerere University, UGANDA, Dr PLUMPTRE, Andrew, Wildlife Conservation Society, USA/UGANDA

Water

“Sustainable Farmland Management in the Context of Climate Change in Inland Valleys of Southern Benin”
Principal Investigator: Dr. AKPONIKPE, P. B. Irénikatché, Université de Parakou, BENIN Co-Investigators: Dr. AGBOSSOU, K. Euloge, Université d’Abomey Calavi, BENIN, Dr. BACO, Mohammed Nasser, Université de Parakou, BENIN

“Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources, Agriculture and Food Security in the Ethiopian Rift Valley: Risk Assessment and Adaptation Strategies for Sustainable Ecosystem Services”
Principal Investigator: Dr. Dagnachew Legesse BELACHEW, Addis Ababa University, ETHIOPIA Co-Investigators: Dr. Tewodros Rango GODEBO, Duke University, USA, Dr. Behailu Atlaw TESHOME, Jimma University, ETHIOPIA, Dr. Tenalem Ayenew TESGAYE, Addis Ababa University ETHIOPIA

“Integrating indigenous knowledge and scientific methods for flood risk analyses, responses and adaptation in rural coastal communities in Nigeria”
Principal Investigator: Prof. FABIYI, Oluseyi O., Obafemi Awolowo University (Regional Center for Training in Aerospace Surveys), NIGERIA Co-Investigators: Dr. AKINBOLA, Gabriel, University of Ibadan. NIGERIA, Mr. OLOUKI, Joseph, Obafemi Awolowo University, NIGERIA, Ms OLUFUNMILAYO, Thontteh, Obafemi Awolowo University, NIGERIA

“The Impact of Climate Change on Food Security Among Coastal Communities of Keiskamma, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa”
Principal Investigator: Dr. RIBBINK, A. J., Sustainable Seas Trust, SOUTH AFRICA Co-Investigators: Prof. RAATS, J.G., University of Fort Hare, SOUTH AFRICA; Prof. deWET, C. J., Rhodes University, SOUTH AFRICA, Prof. ADAMS, J. G., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, SOUTH AFRICA

“Sensitivity of Coastal Lagoon Ecosystems to Climate and Related Global Changes: Developing a North African Lagoons Network”
Principal Investigator: Prof. SNOUSSI, Maria, University Mohamed V, MOROCCO Co-Investigators: Prof. KARA, Hichem, University of Annaba, ALGERIA, Dr. TRIGUI EL MENIF, Université 7 novembre à Carthage, TUNISIA, Dr. MAHE, Gil, IRD/HydroSciences Montpellier, FRANCE

Climate

“Improving Seasonal Forecast Information for Managing On-farm Decisions”
Principal Investigator: Dr. CRESPO, Olivier, Climate Systems Analysis Group (CSAG), University of Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA Co-Investigators: Prof. TADROSS, Mark, CSAG, University of Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA, Prof. JOHNSTON, Peter, CSAG, University of Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA, Prof. WALKER, Sue, University of Free State, SOUTH AFRICA

“Engaging Farmers and Climatologists in Adaptation to Climate Variability and Change in the Okavango Delta of Botswana”
Principal Investigator: Dr. KOLAWOLE, Oluwatoyin Dare, Okavango Research Institute, BOTSWANA Co-Investigators: Dr. WOLSKI, Piotr, Okavango Research Institute, BOTSWANA, Ms. NGWENYA, Barbara Ntombi, Okavango Research Institute, BOTSWANA, Dr. MMOPLELWA, G., Okavango Research Institute, BOTSWANA

“The Application of Earth Observation Methods for Monitoring and Assessment of Agro-forestry in Senegal and Ghana”
Principal Investigator: Dr. MBOW, Cheikh, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, SENEGAL Co-Investigators: Dr. SKOLE, David, Michigan State University, USA, Dr. VON VORDZOGBE, Vincent, University of Legon, GHANA, Dr. ALLOTEV, Emmanuel Morgan, University of Legon, GHANA, Dr. NDOUR, Ngor, Université de Ziguinchor, SENEGAL

Agriculture

“Community-Based Management of Ecosystems and Natural Resources for the Improvement of Rural Livelihoods and Food Security in the Nigerian Savannah”
Principal Investigator: Dr. FASONA, Mayowa Johnson, University of Lagos, NIGERIA Co-Investigators: Dr. ADENIJI, Grace, Lead University, NIGERIA, Dr. OLURUNFEMI, Felix Bayode, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, NIGERIA, Dr. ELIAS, Peter Omu, University of Lagos, NIGERIA, Dr. ADEDAYO, Vide, University of Lagos, NIGERIA

“The Role of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture in Enhancing Food Security and Climate Change Resilience in East and West African Cities”
Principal Investigator: Dr. LWASA, Shuaib, Makerere University, UGANDA Co-Investigators: Dr. WAHAB, Bolanle, University of Ibadan, NIGERIA, Dr. MUGAGGA, Frank, Makerere University, UGANDA, Prof SIMON, David, Royal Holloway University of London, UK, Dr. FRAGKIAS, Michail, UGEC International Project Office, Arizona State University, USA

“Climate Change Adaptation for Rural Communities Dependent on Agriculture and Tourism in Marginal Farming Areas of the Hwange District, Zimbabwe”
Principal Investigator: Dr. NHEMACHENA, Charles, Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), SOUTH AFRICA Co-Investigators: Dr. MANO, Reneth, University of Zimbabwe, ZIMBABWE, Mr. MUDOMBI, Shakespear, Tshwane University of Technology, SOUTH AFRICA

“Assessing Adaptation Responses by Smallholder Farmers in Northern Ghana to Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss”
Principal Investigator: Dr. OSEI-OWUSU, Yaw, Conservation Alliance International, GHANA Co-Investigators: Prof. AL-HASSAN, Ramatu, University of Ghana, GHANA, Ms. DOKU-MARFO, Ernestina, Conservation Alliance International, GHANA

“Targeting Crop Yield Increases Under Future Climate for Greater Food Security in the Upstream Catchment of Lake Victoria Basin”
Principal Investigator: Mr. Wasige, John Ejiet, Faculty of Agriculture, Makerere University, UGANDA Co-Investigators: Dr. BEMIGISHA, Jane, International Foundation for Science (IFS), UGANDA, Dr. EILU Gerarld, Faculty of Agriculture, Makerere University, UGANDA, Mr. LUBANGA, Timothy, Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, UGANDA; Mukashema, Adrie, National University of Rwanda, RWANDA, MBAZUMATIMA, Jean-Berchmans, Institut Geographyque du Burundi (IGEBU), BURUNDI, Mr. KYARUZI, Ladislaus, Division of Environment, Vice President's Office, TANZANIA

To learn more about START Grants for GEC Research in Africa, please visit http://start.org/programs/africangec

Urban and Peri-urban agriculture Climate Change Assessments

In April of this year, START in partnership with UNEP, WMO, IPCC, the University of Ghana, the University of Dar es Salaam and the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies, and with financial support from the European Commission, launched a 9-city assessment on urban and peri-urban agriculture and climate change. The assessment focuses on how rapid urbanization and global environmental change, including climate change, could affect the production of fresh fruits and vegetables, poultry, eggs, fish, dairy and other fresh non-staple foods that are often produced in and around cities in Africa and Asia. Urban and peri-urban agriculture is an important source of dietary diversity for urban dwellers and a key livelihood resource for the urban poor. Interdisciplinary teams of scientists are carrying out the assessment in Dakar, Senegal, Tamale, Ghana, Ibadan, Nigeria, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Kampala, Uganda, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Kathmandu, Nepal, and Chennai, India. The assessment will be completed in 2012 and is expected to contribute to the IPCC 5th Assessment Report.

To learn more about Assessments for Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture, please visit http://start.org/programs/upa

Upcoming Events in 2011

4-8
July

CORDEX-Africa Collaborative Analysis Workshop — Cape Town, South Africa

12-13
July

Meeting of the Pan-African Regional Committee for START (PACOM) — Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

6-8
Sept

Meeting of the START Board of Directors — Washington, DC USA

22-23
Sept

International Workshop on CORDEX for East Asia — Jeju Island, Korea

24-28
Oct

WCRP Open Science Conference — Denver, CO USA

31 Oct-
2 Nov

IRDR Open Science Conference — Beijing, China

28 Nov-
2 Dec

CORDEX-Africa Regional Analysis Workshop — Cape Town, South Africa

© 2011 START
http://start.org

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