PROJECT APN-LUCC-VR-SYM
APN International Symposium on Land Use and Cover Change and Vegetation Recovery - Global Environmental
Change Research and its Application in Conservation Measures
| Project Organiser |
APN SECRETARIAT
IHD Centre Bldg. 5F
1-5-1 Wakinohama Kaigan Dori
Chuo-ku, Kobe 651-0073
JAPAN
Tel: +81-78-230-8017
Fax: +81-78-230-8018
Email: info@apn.gr.jp
|
| Funding |
US$ 20,000
|
| Participating countries |
Participants from the following countries were funded: Australia, Cambodia,
Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, P. R. China,
Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. (Symposium audience was composed
of civil society and invited participants of the 2nd Workshop on Vegetation
Recovery in Degraded Land Areas.)
|
Brief introduction and background
In 2003 APN conducted a Land Use and Cover Change (LUCC) synthesis
of past and present APN LUCC-related projects, and also held the 2nd Workshop
on Vegetation Recovery in Degraded Land Areas. As a follow-up to these
activities, the APN organised an international symposium on "Land Use and
Cover Change and Vegetation Recovery - Global Environmental Change Research
and its Application in Conservation Measures" to publicise the latest progress
in scientific knowledge in these fields. The symposium also facilitated
innovative liaison between experts in LUCC and Vegetation Recovery research.
Outline of activities conducted
The Symposium on LUCC and Vegetation Recovery convened on 28 November
2002 at the Hyogo Prefecture Museum of Art in Kobe, Japan. Following opening
addresses by APN Director, Mr. Sombo Yamamura, and the Vice-Governor of
Hyogo Prefecture, Mr. Tomio Saito, five presentations were given:
Prof. Sharifah Mastura Syed Abdullah, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,
(co-project leader of the APN LUCC Synthesis Workshop) presented outcomes
of the latest LUCC research projects, and introduced the integrated LUCC
project - highlighting that much of Southeast Asia has experienced intensive
deforestation due to increasing urbanisation, and both population and economic
growth.
Prof. John Fox, Curtin University of Technology, Australia, presented
his experience highlighting that the comprehensive management of vegetation
recovery is tremendously important. The methodology he presented may be
appropriate for some, but not all, areas. In order to complete the utilisation
of a comprehensive approach to Vegetation Recovery, both experimental research
and subsequent adjustments play extremely important roles.
Prof. Satoru Matsumoto, project leader of the Vegetation Recovery Workshop,
described his experiences in Western Australia where salinity was excessive
due to mining and arid lands. His presentation focussed on how to remove
salt from the soil and how to replant in arid areas. He concluded that
the introduction of salt-tolerant plants is important as a first step to
re-vegetation of saline and arid areas. He also added that vegetation recovery
will stabilise population dynamics and aid sustainable environmental management.
Prof. Tohru Nakashizuka, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature
(RIHN), Japan, represented DIVERSITAS (integrated programme biodiversity).
He introduced the Scientific Plan of DIVERSITAS where core projects focus
on three aspects of biodiversity research: monitoring/assessment, prediction,
and sustainable use. Biodiversity should also be evaluated from the viewpoint
of human dimensions. In addition, he presented the research programme of
DIWPA (DIVERSITAS Western Pacific and Asia). DIVERSITAS also believes that
the integration of natural and political sciences is essential, and that
the earth system science partnership (IGBP- WCRP-IHDP-DIVERSITAS) is crucial.
Therefore APN's regional and global efforts should be valued.
Finally, Mr. Kazuaki Hoshino, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of
the Environment of Japan, introduced the achievements of the WSSD and the
new Japanese National Strategy for Biodiversity. He also presented two
biodiversity-related projects: conservation of critical ecosystems (in
collaboration with the World Bank, and international environmental NGOs)
and the protection of habitats of Asia-Pacific migratory water birds (in
collaboration with Australia).
Following presentations, a panel discussion was chaired by Prof. Matsumoto
which welcomed questions from the floor. A number of questions and comments
came from participants of the workshop on vegetation recovery as well as
members of civil society, and in conclusion both panellists and the audience
noted that, as we all share the same global resources, we should "think
globally, act locally".
Outcomes and products
- The symposium provided an excellent opportunity for civil society
to raise its awareness of deforestation and re-vegetation, not only in
Japan but in other Asia-Pacific countries as well.
Future directions and follow-up work
- Proceedings of the Symposium will be published in 2003.
|
