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9th Inter-Governmental Meeting (IGM) & Scientific Planning Group (SPG) Meeting | |||
9th APN Inter-Governmental Meeting and Scientific Planning Group Meeting 22-24 March 2004, Canberra, Australia
DAY ONE IGM and SPG Joint Session
Mr. Howard Bamsey, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Greenhouse Office, Australia, introduced Honoured Guest Mr. David Borthwick, Secretary of the Department of the Environment and Heritage, Australia, and invited him to make an opening statement. In his speech, Mr. Borthwick emphasised the sobering impacts of global change and that we are now dealing with extremely complex environmental issues. The need to get a better grasp of factors contributing to global change to respond effectively was also highlighted and the world's response to ozone depletion as reflected in the Montreal Protocol is an outstanding example in achieving long term stability of the ozone layer. Mr. Borthwick stated that a similar response to other global change issues such as climate change is needed. A number of important points were emphasised:
The APN Secretariat Director, Mr. Sombo T. Yamamura, thanked Mr. Bamsey and Mr. Borthwick for their opening remarks and the Australian Greenhouse Office for hosting the 9 th IGM/SPG Meetings. For their organisational contributions, Mr. Yamamura extended his appreciation to Ms. Melissa Tipping and Drs. Michael Stoddart and Graeme Pearman. The Director stated that this was the first APN Inter-Governmental Meeting (IGM) in the Southern Hemisphere and emphasised the importance of the 9 th APN IGM/SPG meetings, particularly with regard to issues such as:
Dr. Michael Stoddart, APN national Focal Point for Australia and Dr. Amir
Muhammed, Co-Chair of the Scientific Planning Group (SPG) and SPG member for
Pakistan, were elected as Co-Chairs'.
The agenda was adopted as proposed.
Mr. Martin Rice, APN Secretariat Programme Manager for Communications and Development, in reviewing the year's accomplishments since the 8th IGM, noted especially:
In addition to this, APN has continued to enhance its networking activities by disseminating information through the new APN Website; issuing quarterly APN Newsletters, which are also now available in electronic format; distributing the 2003 Activity, Project and Regional Reports publication; and disseminating APN brochures in various languages. Mr. Rice also mentioned that three new brochures were being prepared and would be available for dissemination at various international fora. It was pointed out that a more strategic approach had been taken, in consultation with the Steering Committee, in planning and determining APN's participation in international meetings, workshops, etc. Furthermore, Mr. Rice expressed his appreciation to Dr. Andrew Matthews, SPG Co-Chair and the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) for designing and publishing two very professional APN posters: one on APN and its activities in the Pacific Island Countries, and another on APN's capacity building strategies and how they align with capacity building activities of the Earth Observation Summit. For programme development, Mr. Rice highlighted the CAPaBLE Programme, the APN Review/Evaluation and the Second Strategic Plan, and resources development. The Co-Chair, Dr. Michael Stoddart, remarked that the Secretariat's activities over the year were very satisfying. The Secretariat is encouraged to continue undertaking its activities on behalf of APN in a strategic and professional manner. Mr. Kazuhiko Takemoto, APN national Focal Point for Japan; Mr. Phonechaleun Nonthaxy, APN national Focal Point for Lao P.D.R.; and Mr. Suho Seong, on behalf of the APN national Focal Point for Republic of Korea, spoke of the importance of capacity building activities of APN and the hope that they would continue, particularly through the CAPaBLE Programme. Action: Secretariat
The APN Liaison Officers provided overviews of their past year's activities in Oceania[1], South Asia , Southeast Asia and Temperate East Asia. Dr. Amir Muhammed, SPG Co-Chair and SPG member for Pakistan noted that very pleasant developments are taking place in the South Asia region and expects there to be even more regional collaboration in the future. While it was generally recognised that the work of the Liaison Officers is important for networking in the region, it was noted that a number of areas, particularly communication, need to be improved. The following concerns were noted by Dr. Anond Snidvongs, Liaison Officer for Southeast Asia:
A member of the Chinese delegation, Mr. Guoushun Sun, raised grave concern about the groupings of the sub-regions used by APN in its reports[2]. The Co-Chair, Dr. Michael Stoddart, thanked the Liaison Officers for their informative reports and pointed out that interaction of science and policy in APN is at the heart of what APN is doing. Science must underpin policy and good science lies at the base of good policy. It was agreed that the effectiveness of activities undertaken by Liaison Officers in their respective regions could be improved and this is an item that needs further discussion at the informal IGM and SPG brainstorming session on day 3 of the Meeting. The Secretariat clarified that Liaison Officers are provided full funding from APN for Liaison Officer activities in their respective areas. New Zealand pointed out that the Secretariat plays the role to serve all APN member countries in the region. Action: SPG and IGM
Professor Nick Harvey, project leader for APN's global change coastal zone management synthesis, gave a detailed presentation on the activities carried out to date and those planned for the coming year. He outlined the rationale and scope of the synthesis, global change in a coastal context, integrated coastal management and global change, the scope of APN-funded coastal research and progress on the synthesis. He emphasized that the products from this activity would include the publication of a book that synthesizes not only APN activities in the region, but all other related activities as well. He further mentioned that coastal zone activities being carried out in 18
APN member Countries, 5 non-member Countries and 18 Pacific Island Countries
were being included in the synthesis. Professor Harvey concluded that the synthesis
will foster global change research in the Asia-Pacific region, by identifying
research gaps and new directions, and will strengthen links between the science
community and policy-makers, through outputs such as a science book and management
document.
Mr. Yukihiro Imanari, Executive Manager, APN Secretariat, presented the Final 2002/2003 Financial Report for the fiscal year ending March 2003, the Draft 2003/2004 Financial Report and the Budget Plan for 2004/2005. The IGM approved the reallocation of a small amount of unspent networking funds (US$ 24,000) to cover some unanticipated costs of the budgeted IGM and SPG meetings in the Draft 2003/2004 Financial Report. The IGM welcomed projected savings on bank charges and reduced overheads that are expected to result from the future Secretariat switch to IGES, thus freeing more funds for APN scientific activities in the region. All financial items were accepted and adopted.
Mr. Sombo Yamamura provided background information and introduced Mr. Randal Helten, the Consultant charged with conducting the evaluation of APN activities during the first phase (1995-2005) and with preparation of a draft of APN's strategic plan for 2005-2010. Mr. Helten outlined a draft timeline and tasks to be completed in time for the review and for preparation of a draft Second Strategic Plan to be considered and approved at the 10th IGM/SPG Meetings. He emphasized that a 30-page document will be produced, giving a clear understanding of how far the APN has come, and a shared, clear vision for the future. This document will be drafted in consultation with a “blue ribbon panel,” APN members (past and present) and other stakeholders. The IGM/SPG delegates agreed to fully cooperate in this endeavour. Action: IGM, SPG, Secretariat and Mr. Randal Helten
Dr. Linda Stevenson, APN Secretariat Programme Manager for Scientific Affairs, gave an overview of the proposals process and project management in the past year. Dr. Stevenson presented only on the action points from the 8th IGM/SPG Meetings and asked the delegates to read the meeting documents for more detailed information. The following was highlighted:
Dr. Stevenson pointed out that all action points had not been completed due to the implementation of the CAPaBLE programme. However, the Steering Committee has agreed to cover these action points with the Secretariat. This will include refining the guidelines for proponents and the guidelines for reviewers. An interactive CDROM will be created to guide both internal and external reviewers in reviewing proposals submitted under the annual Call for Proposals. The IGM/SPG and the International START Secretariat Director agreed that the APN Secretariat Director should co-sign contracts for APN projects where APN funds are administered by the International START Secretariat according to donor conditions. The suggested revisions to the per diem rates were accepted by the IGM/SPG. Action: Steering Committee, APN and START Secretariats
The Secretariat reported the tragic death of former APN national Focal Point for the Republic of Korea, Dr. Keum-Hee Jung, former Director, Global Environment Office, Ministry of Environment, and expressed condolences to family members and colleagues. The Secretariat will seek assistance of APN members in finding APN national Focal Points for Nepal and Russia, and SPG members for Bangladesh and Viet Nam. The Secretariat explained that a range of potential organs exist that could represent Pacific Island Countries. The IGM agreed that discussions to find appropriate representation should continue. APN members are to sensitize these organs (such as ASEAN, etc.) to APN and consider potential opportunities for collaboration. Brunei and Singapore are also to be contacted and sensitized to APN activities. Membership development should be considered in the Second Strategic Plan. Action: national Focal Points, Secretariat and Mr. Randal
Helten
The Chair of the Ad Hoc Resources Development Committee, Dr. Michael Stoddart, outlined progress on development of APN's resources and concluded that:
Dr. Stoddart also stated that Secretariat investigations indicate that it was unlikely that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) could be a major funding source for APN. He also emphasised that member country contributions could be “earmarked” for specific activities. The APN also needs to consider leveraging training opportunities, perhaps with organisations such as the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). The IGM recommended that the Steering Committee continue efforts to find new or additional contributions from member countries, and new funds from external sources such as funding agencies and private corporations. Action: Steering Committee
Science presentations were made on: - The Pacific Islands Regional
GCOS Program - APN
and NIES Collaboration
It was announced that the total budget available for APN funded projects would be approximately US$ 760,000, but US$ 22,000 would be set aside as a contingency fund to buffer any substantial fluctuation between Japan and U.S.A. currency exchange rates. Dr. Andrew Matthews, as SPG Co-Chair, presented to the SPG for their approval, the Small Group recommendations for continuing Multi-Year Projects. He emphasised that the recommendations were based on the progress reports, which were compared against the original aims and objectives stated in the project proposals, as well as other supporting evidence from project leaders. He further emphasised that the funding recommended reflected the decrease in budget available for scientific activities under the proposals process. Dr. Matthews then explained the rationale behind the Small Group recommendations for funding proposals short-listed at Stage 2 of the Proposals Process. The SPG members' ratings for scientific excellence and average score were used as the main basis for the funding recommendations. Other major factors included written reviews by the global change programmes of DIVERSITAS, IGBP, IHDP, START and WCRP, budgetary aspects and regional balance. Dr. Matthews acknowledged APN's appreciation to the four global change programmes and the START International Secretariat for reviewing the proposals. After some detailed discussion on the proposals being recommended, the SPG agreed on the funding recommendations made by the Small Group as follows:
In addition, 2 proposals were recommended as reserves that would be funded, should additional funding become available. The SPG agreed that these funding recommendations be presented to the IGM for endorsement.
DAY TWO
Discussions focussed on:
Action: Secretariat
DAY THREE
Mr. Sombo Yamamura asked that, as the APN is in an important
phase with the approach of its 10th Anniversary, the SPG approve the re-election
of Dr. Andrew Matthews as SPG Co-Chair. The SPG accepted this proposal and
Dr. Matthews was re-elected as Co-Chair.
In this session:
Action: Secretariat (first 2 bullet points)
IGM Session
The Japanese delegate, Mr. Yasuo Takahashi, explained the change in umbrella of the Secretariat from Association of International Research Initiatives for Environmental Studies (AIRIES) to the Institute for Global Environmental Studies (IGES), as of 1 April, 2004. He outlined the mandate and role of IGES, as an independent non-profit organisation. He also outlined that APN decision-making will be independent from IGES and that APN will maintain and separately manage a special account within the IGES administration. The purpose of this account is to provide flexibility, for example, APN funds can now be carried over from one fiscal year to another. Furthermore, the APN financial report will be submitted for external audit by an independent body with an international reputation. As a result, APN's status will become more robust with the aforementioned financial, legal and administrative arrangements. Dr. Michael Stoddart, national Focal Point for Australia, explained that the Steering Committee considered the proposed amendments at great length and concluded they are in the best interests of the APN. After discussions with the delegates, the following recommendations to amend the current APN Framework were endorsed by the members: C. 2 Membership D. 1 Mandate
II. For financial and administrative purposes, the Secretariat operates under administrative arrangements reached between the Secretariat and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (hereinafter referred to as IGES). D. 2 Financial Provisions *(Footnote) Date and Effects of Amendments to the APN Framework Action: Secretariat
Dr. Linda Stevenson presented a summary of the CAPaBLE Programme and its activities since the official launch of the Programme in April, 2003 following endorsement by the 8th IGM, and agreement that CAPaBLE should become an integral part of APN's activities. Dr. Stevenson highlighted some of the action points from the 8th IGM and noted the following developments:
A number of delegates raised important questions on the process under CAPaBLE to submit proposals. Dr. Stevenson explained that there would be no further call for proposals for CRPs, but that capacity building activities, in which US$ 80,000 is available for new activities, was an area where national Focal Points and SPG members could suggest activities and submit proposals. It was also emphasised that CAPaBLE is a Programme to build the scientific capacity of developing countries in the region. The CAPaBLE Standing Committee (CSC), which is expected to be fully implemented by end of May, will consider any new proposals that are submitted for funding. The CSC will consist of three SPG members, two mentors to monitor the progress of the CRP projects, and a donor representative from the Ministry of the Environment, Japan. The smaller Capacity Building Committee (CBC), led by Dr. Graeme Pearman, SPG member for Australia, will also consider Capacity Building projects. Following some discussions on the CAPaBLE process and informing the members of new developments in the programme, the Secretariat emphasised the importance of keeping communications as transparent as possible and asked that all members let the Secretariat know immediately when any national Focal Point or SPG member details are changed. The Secretariat will ensure that all information regarding new developments under CAPaBLE will be informed to national Focal Points and SPG members in a timely manner, particularly on the activities taking place in individual member countries. In addition, all information on the CAPaBLE Programme will continue to be uploaded on the APN website. For clarification, it was pointed out that the participants who attended the planning workshop attended as experts, and were not officially representing their countries. It was further suggested that members use the networking opportunity back in their respective countries to raise awareness of opportunities available under the programme. It is also important to consider how to disseminate results of CAPaBLE projects to policy-makers. Dr. Andrew Matthews emphasised that the idea of the CRPs was not to create policy papers that circumvent the rights of government, rather it is about fostering research on climate change issues that will be relevant to the Asia-Pacific region, hopefully be of a high standard, and be considered in literature that can be useful in the IPCC and other international processes. CAPaBLE is a different initiative and has quite a different purpose and agenda than the regular call for proposals. A member of the Thai delegation, Dr. Asdaporn Krairapanond, raised concern that while one of the CRPs being funded under CAPaBLE is quoted as having Thailand involved, this was not the case. The Secretariat is to follow up on this. It was suggested that if CAPaBLE is indeed an integral part of APN activities as endorsed at the 8th IGM there should, perhaps, be some mention of the composition and functions of CAPaBLE in the APN Framework Document. It was later explained by the Secretariat Director, Mr. Sombo Yamamura, that when the launch of the CAPaBLE Programme was approved at the 8th IGM in Hanoi, the Secretariat, together with the Steering Committee, was mandated to organise the Programme Development Workshop, select appropriate participants (with capacity building expertise) and discuss the implementation plan of the CAPaBLE programme in its first year. While the Secretariat made every effort to disseminate information on the CAPaBLE programme to APN members, improvements would be made. Mr. Yamamura also noted financial constraints in that FY 2003 funds could not be carried over to FY 2004. He noted that the concerns raised by the delegates in the morning session addressed mainly:
Mr. Yamamura noted that these comments would be reflected in the Co-Chairs' Summary and that the Secretariat, together with the CSC, would make every effort to communicate all CAPaBLE activities to the APN members and that the CAPaBLE Programme, particularly the selection of new capacity building activities, would be implemented in a more transparent manner. Action: Secretariat and APN Members
2003-CB-01: Presented by Dr. A. Snidvongs 2003-CB-02: Presented by Dr. K. Koshy 2003-CB-04: Presented by Dr. H. Meinke 2003-CB-07: Presented by Dr. A. Muhammed
Dr. Graeme Pearman, SPG member for Australia, opened this session by stating that a lot of the discussions in the past few days had focussed on science and policy interfacing in APN. Dr. Pearman also pointed out that APN needs to focus on what kind of capacity building activities it can support. Professor Roland Fuchs, Director of the International START Secretariat, was asked to comment on capacity building for APN and made the following comments:
Dr. Andrew Matthews was then asked to comment on capacity building for APN and made the following comments:
Main points of further discussion among delegates included:
20. Proposed APN Activities Mr. Sombo Yamamura presented on proposed activities. These were approved by the members present and are listed as follows:
Action: Secretariat
Mr. Sombo Yamamura presented information on an internship opportunity at the APN Secretariat. Mr. Yamamura explained that as part of APN's Capacity Building efforts, the APN is posting an Internship vacancy announcement for a highly motivated young professional, with an interest in global environmental issues, willing to work in an international environment. The objective is to provide an opportunity for a young professional to gain invaluable work experience with an inter-governmental global change research network over a 9-month period. This will also assist the Secretariat in coping with its increased workload. This was welcomed and approved. Action: Secretariat
This discussion that took place was very fruitful and the main points discussed are to be collated and disseminated to members. The members were fully encouraged to contact the Secretariat or Consultant, Randal Helten, with any additional information. Action: national Focal Points and SPG Members
IGM Session
On behalf of the SPG, Dr. Andrew Matthews explained that the total budget available for APN funded projects would be approximately US$ 760,000, but that US$ 22,000 would be set aside as a contingency fund to buffer any substantial fluctuation between Japan and U.S.A. currency exchange rates. Dr. Matthews presented to the IGM for their approval of the SPG recommendations for continuing Multi-Year Projects. He emphasised that the recommendations were based on the progress reports, which were compared against the original aims and objectives stated in the project proposals, as well as other supporting evidence from project leaders. He further emphasised that the funding recommended reflected the decrease in budget available for scientific activities under the proposals process. Dr. Matthews then explained the rationale behind the recommendations for funding proposals short-listed at Stage 2 of the Proposals Process. The SPG members' ratings for scientific excellence and average score were used as the main basis for the funding recommendations. Other major factors included written reviews by the global change programmes of DIVERSITAS, IGBP, IHDP, START and WCRP, budgetary aspects and regional balance. Dr. Matthews acknowledged APN's appreciation to the four global change programmes and the START International Secretariat for reviewing the proposals. After some detailed discussion on the proposals being recommended, as well as the system used for scoring and ranking the proposals, the IGM agreed on the funding recommendations made by the SPG as follows:
The list of projects is available as Attachment III. Mr. Louis Brown, APN national Focal Point for the U.S.A., noted that five out of seven continuing multi-year projects and seven out of the twelve new projects that have been approved for funding have significant focus on the human dimensions of global change. The Secretariat is to assure that the IHDP be informed on this point. It was further pointed out that:
Action: Secretariat
As APN will celebrate its 10th Anniversary at the next IGM/SPG
meetings, the Japanese delegation offered to host the meeting in Kobe, Japan
on 12-14 April, 2005. Mr. Kazuhiko Takemoto, national Focal Point for Japan
, expressed his desire that all members come to Japan to celebrate the 10th
Anniversary of APN. The Co-Chair, Dr. Michael Stoddart thanked Japan for their
kind invitation, which was accepted by acclamation. Mr. Yamamura then discussed
some of the logistical details about the meeting, including the dates of the
meetings and the venue location. The APN members expressed their full appreciation
of the generous offer to invite all delegates to Japan next year to celebrate
the 10th Anniversary of the APN at the 10th IGM/SPG Meetings. The Co-Chair, Dr. Michael Stoddart, invited the Secretariat Director to make his closing remarks. The Director. Mr. Sombo Yamamura, thanked all participants, Co-Chairs, Drs. Amir Muhammed and Michael Stoddart, and informed the IGM that a Steering Committee will be held following the IGM to discuss the most effective implementation of the decisions taken. Mr. Yamamura also highlighted that this year's joint IGM/SPG meeting will strengthen interactions among scientists and policy-makers. He also stressed that we also need to fully utilise the human network of APN members and project scientists (past and present) as a tool to keep abreast of global change research developments. The IGM/SPG expressed its sincere appreciation to the Australia Greenhouse Office for the excellent arrangements for this 9th Inter-Governmental Meeting and Scientific Planning Group Meeting. The Secretariat was also thanked for its efforts during the past year. [ To Top of Page ]
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