2nd APN Scientific Planning Group Meeting

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2nd Scientific Planning Group (SPG) Meeting

Second Scientific Planning Group Meeting

1997 Tokyo

The Second APN Scientific Planning Group Meeting was held in Tokyo, Japan on 24-26 March 1997. The following is the Summary Report from the Co-chairpersons of SPG.

APN Scientific Planning Group Meeting
Summary Report from the Co-chairpersons
Prof. Aprilani Soegiarto, Prof. Keiji Higuchi

This Meeting was attended by representatives from Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United States of America, SARCS, SASCOM, TEACOM, and the International START Secretariat, and by observers from ENRICH and IGBP.

1. Opening

Opening remarks were given by Mr. Yoshihiro Natori, Director of the APN Interim Secretariat.

2. Selection of Co-Chairpersons and Adoption of Agenda

Prof. Aprilani Soegiarto of Indonesia and Prof. Keiji Higuchi of Japan were selected as Co-Chairpersons and the agenda was adopted as proposed.

3. Review of Activities of 1996/97

SPG Meeting in Malaysia
The Director of the Interim Secretariat outlined the outcomes of the SPG held August 1996 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
LUCC Workshop (Kyoto)
Dr. Otsubo presented a report on the Kyoto workshop held in November 1996.
Regional Climate Model Workshop
Prof. Fu reported on the workshop. He highlighted two important unaddressed issues: (1) biosphere-atmosphere coupling, and (2) anthropogenic modifying of the monsoon and its effects. He also pointed out the need to understand regional patterns of climate change. In discussion, there were references to the relationship of research results to political processes and the need to make conscious links with relevant international decision-making forums.
Human Dimensions Workshop Report
Mr. Quinn presented the summary that had been prepared after the meeting and circulated to interested parties, noting that there were follow-up proposals later in the agenda.
GAME support
Prof. Sugita reported on the valuable results being achieved already from the GAME activity.
START/WCRP/IGBP/GCTE Climate Variability, Agricultural Productivity, and Food, and Planning Meeting for the Asia-Pacific Region on the Regional Effort on the Application of Climate Forecasts.

Mr. Quinn reported on these two recent meetings. Details from the Planning Meeting and some first proposals are only just available. There was not time to develop concrete proposals for APN consideration this week. It was noted that some analysis of the relationship with APN activities will be made. Consideration can be given to how the APN might assist with the project activity that will follow. It was noted that any required action would be needed within the time frame of the projects (the next 12-15 months). It was agreed that any proposals on this before the next SPG meeting and Inter-Governmental Meeting could be considered and any necessary action authorized by the APN Steering Group.

4. Scientific Activities (1997-98 Programme)

Human Dimensions
1. Research Proposals from Human Dimensions Workshop
  Mr. Quinn explained the paper on follow-up of the Workshop, noting that there were already specific proposals on some of the items on the agenda. There was considerable discussion about the Workshop and its follow-up emphasizing its success and that the human dimensions issues could become a strength of the APN. There were several proposed follow-up activities, such as impact of global change on freshwater and health, and others that flowed from other APN interests (e.g. land use issues, the Rice/Monsoon proposal and survey activity). There were others requiring more detailed consideration of what APN could do (e.g. climate/agriculture and monsoon issues) where other organizations have the leadership.
  
  A number of points that could be taken into account as activities develop were raised. In particular, the Meeting asked that capacity building elements be built into future activities. The outcomes of these activities can be built into integrated assessment and modeling programmes. The Meeting endorsed the need to promote human dimensions programmes and the need to ensure follow-up on the Workshop outcomes. It was noted that development work was under way on some proposals, such as the freshwater/health issues. SASCOM volunteered to participate in development of a proposal for a workshop on extreme events and land use management and the associated suggestions for strengthening the human dimensions elements of LUCC.
  
  The Interim Secretariat would be able to consider other follow-up action as circumstances permit, in consultation with the APN Steering Group.
2. APN Contribution for Consideration for IIASA Open Meeting
  There was strong support and enthusiasm for the proposal that APN support the attendance of some researchers from the region at the 1997 Open Meeting of the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Research Community planned by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) to be held in Laxenburg, Austria from 12 to 14 June, 1997. It was agreed that the Interim Secretariat should seek balance in geographical representation from the APN region. It was also agreed that the Director of the Interim Secretariat should make a presentation at the meeting about the APN's human dimensions activities and that in view of its support, he should check whether APN could be listed as a co-sponsor of the meeting. The Meeting had also noted that the IIASA meeting provided a good opportunity to build links between the human dimensions community and both the general public and political processes, and that APN involvement would help strengthen the connection with the IHDP, as the latter was now formally involved in the meeting. The Meeting expressed concern about the short time left to finalize arrangements. It asked the Interim Secretariat to try to ensure a strong and broadly based APN participation.
3. Consideration for Hosting 1999 Human Dimensions Open Meeting
  There was strong support for the proposal that APN would pursue hosting the 1999 Open Meeting on Human Dimensions in the region. It was agreed that the Director should make an appropriate announcement at the IIASA Open Meeting. There was some discussion about the considerable work that would be involved in doing this, and that detailed proposals should be considered at the next SPG, expected to be held later this year or early in 1998. These should include possible specific objectives of the proposed meeting from the APN perspective. There would be an opportunity to arrange the Open Meeting back to back or in association with other activities of other global change research communities. This would build links among these communities, and facilitate more rapid development of human dimensions contributions to the solving of global change problems. There was also a reminder that there had been a suggestion to APN that it might arrange Global Change Forums in the region every few years, perhaps beginning in 1998. It was recognized that if this could be done, it would be a valuable preparatory exercise. SPG members pointed out that the APN had a particular advantage in that right from the start it had given prominence to human dimensions issues, and its planning for activities invariably linked social science and natural science interests and researchers. This could be a selling point in promoting the APN as a suitable host organization for the next Open Meeting.
4. Support for Asia-Pacific Integrated Model (AIM) Training
  The Director explained the proposal and its relationship with the START proposal endorsed at the New Delhi Workshop on Human Dimensions Issues. Prof. Fuchs explained how the proposed activity fitted well with similar action being arranged in other regions. These various arrangements amounted to implementation of the request by the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that START could play a leading role in the training for integrated assessment modeling at the regional and national levels. The Meeting recognized the need to expand the process in the APN region beyond China and India, and hold workshops in other countries, to cover the whole region eventually. Dr. Mitra raised the desirability of the organizers of the workshops working closely with the START regional committees. The workshops could contribute to improving and adding to regional inputs into modeling work. The proposal was agreed to by the Meeting.
5. Support for Eco Consciousness Workshop
  The Director explained the proposal, based on follow-up activities of the ECO ASIA Long-term Perspective Project. There was agreement to proceed with this proposal, on the basis of continuing its development in line with several suggestions made during the discussion. These were that considerable caution is needed in this kind of work, that careful preparation is necessary, that more attention is paid to defining clear outcomes, that adequate regional coverage is achieved with the working group, and that as much local wisdom, knowledge and practices as possible are covered to ensure that outcomes will be relevant throughout the region.
Land Use / Cover Change (LUCC)
1. Proposals from LUCC Workshop
  Prof. Kitamura explained proposed follow-up to work begun on LUTEA. There was discussion of the need to find ways to incorporate outcomes from the New Delhi Workshop on Human Dimensions Issues into LUTEA.
  
  It was understood that SASCOM and SARCS would be given the opportunity to attend LUTEA activities. The Meeting agreed with the proposal.
2. Proposals from IGU-LUCC
  Prof. Kitamura explained the proposal, which was first raised at the LUTEA workshop in Kyoto in 1996. It was supported, on the basis that care be taken to ensure coordination with other LUCC activities. Some concern was expressed about the short time available for selecting potential participants from the region. In this process, geographical representation should be considered.
Northern Eurasia Study (NES)
The Director explained the proposal. It was agreed that there could be considerable value in supporting this, as there were links with other activities that the APN is involved in. It was agreed that APN should support the programme for two years, to ensure continuity beyond the first year, which was already funded from other sources.
GAME
Prof. Sugita explained the proposal. Continued partial support for GAME was agreed to. Participants expressed an interest in expanding the GAME programme if possible. There was also reinforcement in discussion of the need to disseminate GAME results quickly and widely.
Preparation for Asian Monsoon and Rice Research
Prof. Yoshino explained the proposal, pointing out that it took account of discussion at the New Delhi Workshop on Human Dimensions Issues, and the recent meeting in Bogor on Climate Variability and Agricultural Productivity. Prof. Rapley confirmed that this project would be complementary to the likely climate and agriculture work arising from the Bogor meeting. There was recognition in discussion that some elements of this proposal might overlap with other work underway, and that development and implementation of the proposal should take account of this. On this basis, the Meeting agreed with the proposal. It was suggested that the Interim Secretariat could assist with identifying the researchers from across the region who could participate in the project.
Regional Climate Modeling
1. Workshop Proposal
  Prof. Fu outlined the proposal, which was a continuation of work already successfully under way. There were many comments supporting the value of this work, and reinforcing the need to extend it to cover the APN region as soon as possible. Consistent with this, it was agreed that scientists from other parts of the region should be invited to participate now. Prof. Fu confirmed that this was the intention. The Meeting agreed to the proposal.
2. Sending Researchers
  Prof. Fu introduced the related proposal for a modest fellowship scheme. The concept underlying this was strongly supported. The initial proposal could be seen as a pilot phase, with subsequent expansion in the region. It was suggested that at least a five year plan to cover the region would be desirable. START has already agreed to provide one fellowship each year. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) advised that the Meteorological Research Institute of JMA could cooperate in implementing this proposal by providing facilities for use by fellowship holders. The initial fellowship proposal was endorsed by the Meeting as the beginning of a longer term plan to cover the region.
Development of START and APN Activities in Pacific Ocean Countries. Participation in Pacific Science Inter-Congress in Fiji
The Director explained that the proposal to support the Inter-Congress meeting followed from the suggestion at the previous SPG meeting that it might provide a basis for expanding APN activities to the broader Pacific region. Consistent with this, arrangements were also being made to hold special sessions at the Inter-Congress meeting to discuss the possible establishment of START Oceania. There were reminders from several representatives at the Meeting that there is already APN interest in small island and coastal issues as many existing APN countries have many small islands. It was also noted that any development of work associated with small islands and coastal issues should take account of other work under way, e.g. by the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), UNESCO and others.
Aerosol, Biomass Burning, Precipitation Measurement and Modelling
Dr. Mitra presented a proposal for developing aerosol work in the region, including a state of the art report and a relevant database, a well prepared workshop on how to develop aerosol work throughout the region, and on the ground activity in the SASCOM region. It was agreed that APN should support the workshop and its preparation, noting the intention to raise funds as well in the SASCOM area. There was agreement that there should be cooperation between those involved in this activity and others who had an interest, such as the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia to be established through the initiative of the Environment Agency of Japan, and others who are contributing, e.g. from Australia. This led to discussion about the wide range of APN region interests beyond east Asia in aerosols, biomass burning, tropospheric ozone, precipitation measurement and modeling, based on many considerations, such as climate research, pollution concerns, forest fires, biomass burning in agriculture practices, and commercial considerations. Dr. Park emphasized the need to recognize regional patterns of air pollution. Prof. Rapley pointed out that this area is of interest to International Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC), and suggested that the APN could facilitate the bringing together in the region of these interests so they could share data and information and develop their various activities in a complementary way.
Communications
1. Data & Information
  Mr. Quinn explained the agenda paper that brought together several data and information issues that have been raised in APN discussions and associated activities such as regional workshops. It was noted that these issues were complex and had several possible levels of activity and interest. It was pointed out that good data and information systems are fundamental to issues of concern to START and APN. It was agreed that a sensible approach would be a report elaborating on these issues with suggestions for APN action, which could be considered at the next SPG meeting. It was also recognized that some of these issues, including the role of START regional committees, are likely to be raised for further APN attention before then because of their significance in recent workshops.
2. Liaison Officers
  The Director presented the need and idea to appoint Liaison Officers. He outlined the Terms of Reference and Memorandum of Understanding. The Meeting congratulated the Interim Secretariat on this initiative, emphasizing its potential value. Suggestions for a few modifications to the supporting documents were made and accepted. There was encouragement from the Meeting to begin the arrangements as soon as possible. The Director advised that there were no barriers to starting immediately. It was also noted that an important function of Liaison Officers was to distribute information about the APN and its activities in their regions.
3. APN Homepage
  Appreciation was expressed to the Interim Secretariat for the successful establishment of the Homepage.

5. Procedures for Selection of Research Topics

The Director introduced a proposal for procedures for selection of research topics based on the need for a systematic approach to deal with the proposals received to support agreed APN priorities, and to contribute to the implementation of APN decisions. Doing this would accommodate the various comments made about the need for an open approach and considered decision making involving region-wide inputs and interdisciplinary considerations.

The draft procedure document attached to this summary incorporates the changes proposed in discussion. In addition, the Meeting noted the desirability of providing an indication of the scale of funding available, and the need to clarify the criteria for considering proposals and the possible need to develop other guidelines, e.g. covering those eligible to apply. The IAI and others with similar experience could be consulted when developing criteria and guidelines. There was also recognition that in many cases mixed funding could be involved, with contributions from national governments and elsewhere. If a national government contribution is needed, then the proposal should be developed and processed in accordance with national budgeting processes and time frames.

The Meeting agreed that the attached text should be considered for adoption by the APN Inter-Governmental Meeting.

In the proposed decision-making flow, members of the SPG are requested to make comments on each proposed research activity, from the scientific standpoint. Accordingly, if this flow is approved by the Second APN Inter-Governmental Meeting, governments of APN countries, START regional committees, and the International START Secretariat will be expected to nominate one person each as the SPG Member. The SPG Member will be responsible for commenting on research proposals, according to the procedures. Governments will be requested to notify the Secretariat within one month after the APN Inter-Governmental Meeting of the person's name, title, and contact information. It is expected that the SPG Member will attend future SPG meetings continuously.

6. Other Business

Prof. Rapley provided information about the IGBP Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) meeting in Nairobi, Kenya in December this year. He encouraged attendance from the APN region and invited the APN to consider supporting this and otherwise providing support for the meeting. He also described the successful IGBP Congress held in Germany last year. He invited the APN and its member countries to consider the possibility of hosting either the Congress in 1999 or the next IGBP SAC in 2000.

Dr. Sterin announced the recent release of Russia's federal programme for the Prevention of Dangerous Climate Changes and the Prevention of Negative Consequences and presented a summary of it. He made clear in his presentation that the implementation plan included the opportunity for cooperation with others in the region.

Mr. Sugandhy and Dr. Park said it was important that the APN increased its efforts to publicize its activities in the region, particularly with other regional organizations such as APEC, ESCAP, the UNEP Regional Seas Programme, IOC WESTPAC, and the Framework of North-east Asia Sub-regional Programme for Environmental Cooperation. In particular, APN should ensure that the outcomes of its activities, including research results, should be disseminated widely. It was suggested that the APN Inter-Governmental Meeting might wish to give further consideration to how this might be done.

7. Next SPG Meeting

The Meeting was advised that Australia has offered to host the next SPG meeting in Canberra.

Participants expressed their sincere appreciation to the Government of Japan for hosting this Meeting.