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)

              http://www.nies.go.jp/

(2) The University of Tokyo (Prof. Takeuchi, Prof. Tsunekawa, Prof. Omasa)

              http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/

(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)

              http://ss.jircas.affrc.go.jp/