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Establishment of Teak plantations for high-value timber production in Ghana

Background and Objectives: The project area is located in the Ashanti Region of Ghana / West Africa in the transition zone of the moist semideciduous forest and tropical savannah zone. Main land use in this region is subsistence agriculture with large fallow areas. As an alternative land-use, forest plantations are under development by the Ghanaian wood processing company DuPaul Wood Treatment Ltd. Labourers from the surrounding villages are employed as permanent or casual plantation workers. Within three forest plantation projects of approximately 6,000 ha, DuPaul offers an area of 164 ha (referred to as Papasi Plantation) - which is mainly planted with Teak (Tectona grandis) - for research purposes. In return, the company expects consultations to improve the management for sustainable timber and pole production with exotic and native tree species. Results: In a first research approach, the Papasi Plantation was assessed in terms of vegetation classification, timber resources (in qualitative and quantitative terms) and soil and site conditions. A permanent sampling plot system was established to enable long-term monitoring of stand dynamics including observation of stand response to silvicultural treatments. Site conditions are ideally suited for Teak and some stands show exceptionally good growth performances. However, poor weed management and a lack of fire control and silvicultural management led to high mortality and poor growth performance of some stands, resulting in relative low overall growth averages. In a second step, a social baseline study was carried out in the surrounding villages and identified landowner conflicts between some villagers and DuPaul, which could be one reason for the fire damages. However, the study also revealed a general interest for collaboration in agroforestry on DuPaul land on both sides. Thirdly, a silvicultural management concept was elaborated and an improved integration of the rural population into DuPaul's forest plantation projects is already initiated. If landowner conflicts can be solved, the development of forest plantations can contribute significantly to the economic income of rural households while environmental benefits provide long-term opportunities for sustainable development of the region. Funding: GTZ supported PPP-Measure, Foundation

Eckpunkte des Umweltressorts in einer sich wandelnden internationalen Sicherheitspolitik

Die aktuelle politische Lage erfordert eine Überprüfung und eventuelle (Neu-) Justierung der Politik. Im Juni 2023 hat die deutsche Bundesregierung zudem erstmals eine nationale Sicherheitsstrategie vorgestellt. Der darin integrierte breite Sicherheitsbegriff umfasst den Schutz der natürlichen Lebensgrundlagen als einen elementaren Pfeiler. Die Aktivitäten, Maßnahmen und Ziele des Umweltressorts sind, auch mit und neben anderen Akteuren, im Ressortkreis wie auch auf europäischer/internationaler Ebene somit relevant für die Sicherheit und die Umsetzung der Strategie. Hieraus ergibt sich Forschungsbedarf, um z.B. eine umweltgerechtere, nachhaltige Sicherheitspolitik bzw. eine krisenpräventivere Umwelt- und Entwicklungspolitik zu gestalten und konkrete Möglichkeiten zur Umsetzung der Ziele der nationalen Sicherheitsstrategie und des immanenten breiten Sicherheitsbegriffes durch die Umweltpolitik in Deutschland aufzuzeigen. Die Analyse von drei noch auszuwählenden Themenfeldern wird abklären, in welchen konkreten Bereichen welche nationalen politischen Maßnahmen in Hinblick vor allem auf die Zuständigkeiten des BMUV auf internationaler Ebene am effektivsten verhindern können, dass 1) Konflikte zu Umweltzerstörung beitragen, 2) Umweltzerstörung zu Konflikten beiträgt und 3) Umweltschutzmaßnahmen zu Konflikten beitragen. Die Erkenntnisse und Herausforderungen sollen mit den Akteuren reflektiert und deren Austausch ermöglicht werden, um eine kohärente Politikgestaltung im Hinblick auf die Ziele zu fördern. Dabei sollen auch gute und schlechte Praxisbeispiele erfasst werden und in die Prozesse einfließen.

Evolutionary ecology of floral signals and pollinator specificity in plants

Plants grow in complex ecological networks, and show finely tuned adaptations to attact mutualists such as pollinators, and deter enemies such as herbivores. To do so, plants use volatile signals (BVOCs biogenic volatile organic compounds) that are emitted from vegetative (e.g. leaves) or flowers. Leaf volatiles are often thought to be involved in defense, whereas floral volatiles are traditionally interpreted as attractants for pollinators. However, recent studies have shown that floral scent may as well be involved in defending reproductive structures against antagonists. This can be achieved by emitting repellent compounds from flowers. The obvious need of plants to attract pollinators to flowers on the one hand, and to defend flowers on the other hand, puts them into a dilemma. Such signaling dilemma or trade-offs suggest optimal fitness outcomes may be a compromise between attraction (pollinators, parasitoids) and deterrence (herbivores); a key factor selecting for differential signaling may thus be the abundance and species identity of these interacting organisms in a given habitat. Signaling conflicts may also differ among pollination systems, e.g. when pollinators are also herbivores (moth pollination), attracting an herbivore is unavoidable for pollination. Under strong herbivore attack, however, plants may even switch pollination system by changing BVOC signaling to escape the herbivore pressure. This particular project will focus on ecological and evolutionary aspects of flower signaling to pollinators and the impact of novel herbivores on this mutualism. Up till now, we know surprisingly little about how herbivore induced changes in floral volatiles (HICFV) and the resulting change in flower attractiveness to pollinators. This IP will investigate HICFV after attack of established and novel herbivores (both on shoots and roots) and its molecular basis and variability. Lastly, natural selection on HICFV will be studied in populations with and without invasive herbivores, to asses their impact on the evolution of this key plant signaling trait and model future evolutionary change.

Nomades entre marginalisation, entrepreneuriat et conflits. Strategies des eteveurs mobiles du sud du Maroc face aux bouleversements du contexte pastoral et aux imperatifs d'un pastoralisme durable (FRA)

Livelihood Futures in Resource-scarce Areas

Studying resource-scarce areas in South Asia and East Africa, this research project seeks to identify new livelihood strategies for groups vulnerable to exclusion, particularly strategies that diminish reliance on natural resources. Special attention is given to the governing institutional context in order to reveal ways of supporting equity-effective institutions. We thereby ask the following guiding questions: How the livelihoods are secured at present, and what is the situation specifically of food security? What kind of alternative livelihood options (including options to secure food) do exist in these contexts, or are being fostered by development interventions? Who has access to these opportunities (i.e. is included), and who not (i.e. is excluded)? What are the institutional processes that produce these exclusions or inclusion? And how could equity-effectiveness of the institutional context be supported? Finally - looking into the future, which scenarios of impacts of climate change on livelihood security (food production etc.) exist? Which impacts could these processes have onto the already contested field of securing livelihoods; and which policies are necessary to cope with this? Our in-depth study of the changing patterns of livelihood strategies and identification of enabling livelihood options for marginal communities in the face of resource and food scarcity and social conflicts - especially beyond the (presently dominant) focus on natural resources - contributes to a comprehensive understanding of social conflicts and processes of exclusion and inclusion of certain social groups in the marginal areas, and reveals avenues for alternative livelihood options and support structures. These insights will then be used for a 'research informed constructive dialogue' with concerned stakeholders and practitioners to find ways of improving existing practices by using transdisciplinary approach. Case studies: Transnational Land Deals and Local Livelihoods in Tanzania (Martina Locher) In recent years there has been a rapid growth in the number of investors from Western, Asian and Gulf countries acquiring large shares of agricultural land in poorer countries, in order to plant food or biofuel crops, for forestry plantations and many other purposes. The strong increase of such investments triggered a lively debate on their impacts in host countries. Supporters claim that they entail new income opportunities, improved technologies and infrastructure in rural areas. Critics draw attention to violations of (formal and informal) land rights held by local people, decreasing access to and degradation of natural resources, and ultimately increased food insecurity in the respective areas. In sub-Saharan Africa, a hotspot region for foreign investment, the rush for foreign land happens in a context of unstable farming existences. Population growth and climate change lead to increased pressure on natural resources. usw.

Institutions, Livelihoods and Conflicts (Phase 3 of NCCR-North-South)

The Thematic Node 1 is part of NCCR-North-South and delves into institutions, livelihoods and conflicts. Institutions regulate access to natural, political and symbolic resources and frame the political and social contexts within which social actors strive for their livelihoods. Latent or violent conflicts are also directly linked to the ways in which institutions regulate, or fail to regulate power imbalances within societies, and to the existence or lack of channels through which political grievances can be expressed and negotiated. The overall objective is to research the dynamic and changing roles of political, social, economic and cultural institutions in order to (1) understand how they regulate social interactions between and among individuals and groups (specifically regarding access to livelihood means, and peace and security), and (2) to enable a broader acceptance and legitimacy of institutions relevant for sustainable development. To understand these processes, we interlink our research with contemporary theoretical debates that conceptualise institutions not as given structures that influence peoples behaviour, but as socially constructed rules, regulations, norms and values. This crucial conceptualisation as 'socially constructed allows us to analyse institutions on the one hand as structures or frames established in order to achieve certain social, political or economic goals. On the other hand, it indicates that institutions are also changed, modified or even invented by certain social actors. The focus on actors highlights the potential of disagreement, and thus contestations among actors (state and non-state actors). Thus, 'institutions need to be researched as deeply embedded in social processes, influenced by social actors, their interests and unequal power relations.

Stellenwert und Wetehaltung der Gesellschaft gegenüber Flussbaulichen Eingriffen in der Vergangenheit und in der Gegenwart an ausgewählten Fliessgewässern unter Berücksichtigung der im Jahre 2004 umgesetzten EU-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie - Dissertation

Fliessgewässer unterstehen dauernden Veränderungen. Diese können natürlich oder anthropogen bedingt sein. Der Mensch 'korrigiert seine Flüsse und Bäche schon seit Jahrhunderten. Seit der Industrialisierung wurden die Eingriffe jedoch zunehmend stärker und umfangreicher. Ganze Flusssysteme wurden begradigt, Wasserkraftwerke stauen Flüsse über hunderte Kilometer an und Schleusen machen Fliessgewässer wiederum schiffbar. Heutzutage hat sich die Denkweise umgekehrt. Weniger Eingriffe, Rückbau von flussbaulichen Einrichtungen und die Forderung nach mehr Naturnähe bestimmen mittlerweile die Gedanken der Wasserwirtschaft. Erst recht durch die Umsetzung der EU-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie, die im Allgemeinen eine Verbesserung der Gewässer fordert. Laut dieser Forderung müssten einige stark veränderten Fliessgewässer von den Verbauungen 'befreit werden. Die Arbeit soll versuchen aufzuzeigen, wieso es auch wünschenswert wäre alte Eingriffe in die Flüsse zu schützen, weil sie besonders und einmalig sind und sie nach eingehender Überprüfung als kulturhistorische Denkmäler auszuweisen. Deshalb soll geklärt werden wie sich solche flussbauliche Konstruktionen zu kulturhistorischen Bauwerken entwickeln konnten . Infolgedessen soll besonders Wert auf die Identifikation der Bevölkerung und der Erbauer mit den jeweiligen Objekten gelegt werden. Welche Wünsche und Erwartungen hegten die Menschen bei der Erstellung der flussbaulichen Bauwerke? Welche Konflikte traten zutage? Wie hat sich der Stellenwert der Bauwerke über die Zeit bis heute verändert? Um die heutige kulturhistorische Bedeutung von Fließgewässern zu verstehen, ist die Kenntnis über die frühere Beziehung des Menschen, besonders der Flussanwohner, zu ihren Flüssen von besonderer Relevanz. Nur so kann geklärt werden wieso man heute das Interesse besitzt verbaute Flüsse zu erhalten, obwohl Möglichkeiten bestünden sie aus ihrem 'Korsett zu befreien. Diese Fragestellungen sollen am Beispiel des Hochrheins und dem schweizerischen Linthwerk untersucht werden. Als Untersuchungsmethode dienen das Studium und die Analyse diverser schriftlicher Quellen.

Trees in multi-Use Landscapes in Southeast Asia (TUL-SEA): A Negotiation Support Toolbox for Integrated Natural Resource Management

Trees use water while storing carbon; tree crops replace natural forest while reducing poverty; market-oriented monocultures compete with risk-averse poly-cultures, trading off income and risk; plantations displace smallholders, trading off local rights and income opportunities; national reforestation programs use public resources, promising an increase in environmental services that may not happen. Trees in all these examples are closely linked to tradeoffs and conflict, exaggerated expectations and strong disappointment. Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM) requires site-specific understanding of tradeoffs between and among the goods and services that trees in agro-ecosystems can provide. It is thus costly when compared to readily scalable green revolution technologies. Replicable, cost-effective approaches are needed in the hands of local professionals with interdisciplinary skills to help stakeholders sort out positive and negative effects of trees in multi-use landscapes ( agroforestry) on livelihoods, water and (agro) biodiversity, associated rights and rewards, and thus on Millenium Development Goals (reducing poverty - promoting equitable forms of globalisation - building peace). ICRAF in SE Asia has developed a negotiation support approach for reducing conflict in multi-use landscapes. The approach aims to bridge perception gaps between stakeholders (with their local, public/policy and scientific knowledge paradigms), increase recognition and respect for these multiple knowledge systems, provide quantification of tradeoffs between economic and environmental impacts at landscape scale, and allow for joint analysis of plausible scenarios. Building on the achievements of participatory rural appraisal, we can now add quantitative strengths with the toolbox for tradeoff analysis. The TUL-SEA project (NARS, ICRAF and Hohenheim) will in 3 years lead to: Tests of cost-effectiveness of appraisal tools for tradeoff analysis in a wide range of agroforestry contexts in SE Asia represented by 15 INRM case studies; building on ASB (Alternatives to Slash and Burn; http://www.asb.cgiar.org/) benchmark areas with significant positive local impacts on poverty, environment and peace (www.icraf.org/sea/Publications/searchpub.asp?publishid=1290); Enhanced national capacity in trade-off analysis, information-based INRM negotiations and ex ante impact assessments; An integrated toolbox ready for widespread application. The toolbox consists of instruments for rapid appraisal of landscape, tenure conflict, market, hydrology, agrobiodiversity and carbon stocks, and simulation models for scenario analysis of landscape-level impacts of changes in market access or agroforestry technology.

Sonderforschungsbereich (SFB) 564: Nachhaltige Landnutzung und ländliche Entwicklung in Bergregionen Südostasiens; Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountainous Regions of Southeast Asia, D 2.3: Efficiency of smallholder animal husbandry depending on intensity of management and genetic potential of livestock - Community driven breeding programmes: Optimisation of planning procedures

In the mountainous regions of North Vietnam, smallholder farmers try to sustain and improve their livelihoods under conditions of growing population density and land pressure. Livestock husbandry appears as major development opportunity for them. Yet, 'mountainous regions' are heterogeneous, comprising areas near town with favourable access to markets and infrastructure but higher land pressure and remote areas, disadvantaged concerning market and infrastructure access but disposing of larger cropping and pasture areas. Low and unsteady resource availability in marginal areas limits the possibilities for intensification of livestock production. One solution is to increase production efficiency through improved resource utilisation. In animal production this can be realised through the development of sustainable livestock breeding and management programmes, using genotypes with high productive adaptability. Such programmes will have different structures depending on short- and medium-term resource availability, production objectives and production intensity of respective smallholder production systems.Based on the results of phase 1 and 2, D2.3 focuses on planning procedures for livestock breeding and management programmes for four combinations of production systems and species/genotypes, namely production of lean pork with exotic higher-yielding breeds in demand-driven systems, production of branded pork from local Ban pigs including remote, resource-driven pig producers, production of beef in farming systems of different scale, organisational set-up and remoteness, and production of goat meat as niche product in systems in transition. The four programmes will respond to the large heterogeneity of smallholder production systems in the project area. In fulfilment of its research objectives, D2.3 relies on cooperation with sub-projects E4.1 (Product marketing) concerning the design of a pork marketing and quality control system in the frame of village breeding and pork marketing programmes, G1.2 (Innovations and sustainability strategies) and C4.1 (Land use modelling) on integrated modelling concerning the identification of most sustainable development paths for farms of different production intensity, scale, organisational set-up and remoteness, F2.3 (Livelihood risks) for characterisation of smallholder farms using key indicator regarding adoption of technologies in livestock husbandry, A1.3 (Participatory research) on adoption of optimised breeding strategies by farmers, and D5.2 (Aquaculture) on conflicts and complementarities in the use of feed resources for investigated livestock species and fish/aquaculture.

Erstellung von geologischen Basisdaten für bodenkundliche Klassifizierungen, Modellierungen und Typisierungen von Schutzwaldstandorten - Fortsetzung

Die zunehmend intensivere Nutzung besonders sensibler alpiner Räume birgt ein erhöhtes Konfliktpotential in sich. Einerseits ist der Schutz von Bevölkerung und Infrastruktur vor Naturkatastrophen zu gewährleisten, andererseits ist ein nachhaltiger und verantwortungsvoller Umgang mit natürlichen Ressourcen zu fordern. Die Abwendung von Naturgefahren, wie z. B. Lawinen, Muren, Überschwemmungen, Massenbewegungen usw. durch intakte Schutzwälder ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil einer nachhaltigen und harmonischen Nutzung naturräumlicher Ressourcen. Für all diese Vorhaben ist die Kenntnis des geologischen Untergrundes eine entscheidende Voraussetzung. Ziel des Projektes ist daher die Erstellung von digitalen geologischen Karten durch Zusammenfassung und Neuinterpretation der vorhandenen geologischen Unterlagen, welche durch Fernerkundungsdaten (Auswertungen von Höhenmodellen, digitalen Orthofotos, und konventionellen Luftbildern) und punktuell durch Informationen aus Geländeerhebungen ergänzt werden. Diese Karten dienen dann u.a. als Basis für die Modellierung von Waldbodentypen. Für das vorliegende Projekt 'Geologische Grundlagen zur Typisierung von Waldstandorten', als Fortsetzung eines bereits abgeschlossenen thematisch gleichen Projektes, wurden die digitalen geologischen Kartenblätter Winklern/Osttiroler Anteil (ÖK 180), Walchensee Süd (ÖK 87), Achenkirch Süd (ÖK 88), Angath Süd (ÖK 89) Kufstein (ÖK 90), St. Johann i. Tirol (ÖK 91) und Lofer (ÖK 92) erstellt. ÖK 180/Winklern wurde von der GBA zusätzlich erstellt, um die im vorangegangenen Bericht gelieferten Kartenblätter über Osttirol, ÖK 177/St. Jakob i. Def., ÖK 178 /Hopfgarten i. Def. und ÖK 179 Lienz zu komplettieren. Die Karten basieren auf Zusammenfassungen und Umzeichnung der jeweils besten zur Verfügung stehenden geologischen Unterlagen und Fernerkundungsdaten. Aus den in der Bibliothek der GBA aufliegenden Unterlagen, von Universitäten zur Verfügung gestellten Diplomarbeiten und Dissertationen, und in Zusammenarbeit mit den mit der regionalen Geologie vertrauten Geologen, wurden die zu verwendenden Karten geprüft und ausgewählt. Anschließend wurde eine für das jeweilige Kartenblatt gültige Legende erstellt und die Karten für die digitale Bearbeitung vorbereitet (gescannt, referenziert und rektifiziert). Die Digitalisierung erfolgte mit ArcGIS9. Angeschlossen ist eine genaue Dokumentation mit Zitaten der verwendeten Unterlagen und pdf.files derselben, sowie eine kurze Bewertung der verwendeten Karten. usw.

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