July 26, 1999
Research
activities in Japan relevant to TPN1 and plan of research
Prof. Kazuhiko Takeuchi
Prof. Atsushi Tsunekawa
The University of Tokyo
1. Review of research activities in Japan
relevant to TPN1
Attached
doc.: Tsunekawa A. 1999. Research Activities in Japan Relevant to
Desertification Monitoring and Assessment. Workshop on Regional Research
Cooperation to Combat Desertification in Asia, Tokyo, March 2, 1999.
(1)
The contribution by Japanese researchers can be expected most in the field of
TPN1 among TPNs taking into account of its advanced GIS and space technologies.
Establishing scientific and objective methods to assess and monitor
desertification is a key subject. Since the CST is now discussing on benchmarks
and indicators that are closely related to TPN1, the activities of TPN1 shall
be linked to it.
(2)
It was suggested to launch joint researches with foreign researchers,
especially in the field of desertification monitoring and assessment, and
development of desertification benchmarks and indicators.
2. Various activities relevant to TPN1 supported
by the Japan Environment Agency
(1) “Committee
for combating desertification/land degradation in Asia and Africa” to examine
how Japan can contribute for desertification problems and how Japan should
support various activities relevant to the UNCCD including TPNs
Chairman:
Prof. Takeuchi
Secretariat:
Global Environmental Forum (GEF)
(2)
Academic activities in the Working Group under the Committee
Development
of methodology for the evaluation of biological productivity using satellite
remote sensing and its application to desertification assessment in Asia (by
Prof. Omasa, Prof. Tsunekawa, Prof. Shinoda)
(3)
International Workshop
It is
expected to hold International Workshop on Regional Research Cooperation to
discuss how to contribute from the aspect of science and technology in February
or March 2000 in Tokyo, possibly at United Nations University Headquater. Some
foreign researchers will be invited to make presentation. We expect to have
academic rather than political discussion.
(4)
Dispatch of researchers to COP3 and CST held in Brazil, 1999
Some
researchers may be dispatched to attend the Conference of the Parties and the
Committee on Science and Technology.
(5) Homepage on desertification managed
by the Global Environmental Forum
http://www.shonan.ne.jp/~gef20/desert/
2. Expected research topics
(1)
Spatial and temporal evaluation of biological productivity in Asia for the
basis of objective assessment of desertification
(2)
Development of impact indicators for desertification assessment and modeling
(3) Climatological study for understanding the mechanism of drought
3. On-going “Desertification” studies
through FY 1998-2000 (representative: Dr. Shimizu)
supported
by Research fund set aside by the Japan Environment Agency
4. Major research organizations in Japan
relevant to TPNs and their web sites
(1)
National Institute for Environmental Studies (Dr. Shimizu)
(2)
The University of Tokyo (Prof. Takeuchi, Prof. Tsunekawa, Prof. Omasa)
(3)
Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University (Prof. Inanaga)
http://160.15.45.11/e_txt/enindex.html
(4)
National Institute of Agro-Environmental Sciences (NIAES, Dr. Imagawa)
http://ss.niaes.affrc.go.jp/index_e.html
(5) Japan
International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS)