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.
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
Combined production of fuels and chemicals from wood This project examines an innovative approach for pre-treating wood in order to produce fuels and chemicals. In this approach, the researchers combine hot water treatment with so-called radical scavengers. Background Biofuels from wood have economic and ecological advantages as compared to fuels from corn starch and sugar cane (costs, availability, no conflict with food production). However, it is much more difficult to transform wood into biofuels. This is because the components of wood-cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin-are strongly interwoven to protect the plant against external forces, in particular. In the production of biofuels, this impedes the enzymatic degradation of cellulose and lignocellulose into their respective sugars, which can subsequently be fermented to produce, for example, bio-ethanol. Therefore, it is necessary to pre-treat the wood in order to break up its structure and improve the enzymatic access. Aim One possible treatment of biomass would be to dissolve it in hot water, but this is hampered by cross-linking reactions of emerging lignin fragments. So-called 'radical scavengers' can stop these undesired reactions and make the wood much more soluble. This procedure is aimed at achieving, on the one hand, a cellulose fraction with improved enzymatic access and, on the other hand, a high-quality lignin fraction. The latter serves as a starting material for the production of aromatic chemicals. Significance The examined approach is aimed at producing fuels and aromatic chemicals which are today still gained from petrochemical resources. This opens up new avenues for gradually replacing fossil oil with biomass.
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.
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.
Recent legislation (Cross Compliance, Soil Protection Act of Germany) has forced farmers to keep the level of soil organic carbon (SOC) in their arable soils within certain limits. In the region Cologne/Bonn, an unfavourable constellation of factors (low cattle density, intensive soil tillage etc.) resulted in low contents and stocks of soil organic carbon (SOC). Thus, the farmers are challenged to increase the humus content of their soils. However, the rapid achievement of this objective may conflict (i) specifically with the interests of the local waterworks, and (ii) generally with the environmental targets of the European Community Nitrate Directive: Within Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, application rates of organic manures are restricted to avoid diffuse water pollution from nitrate. Against this background, our project aims at optimizing a system of soil use and management, that (i) assures an adequate humus support and sustainable soil fertility, and that (ii) minimizes the pollution of groundwater. The experiments include (i) quantifying the spatial heterogeneity of various soil parameters (Corg, Ntotal, Nmin, texture, nutrients) within arable fields in order to assess the possibility of a site-specific management; (ii) repeated sampling at selected sites in order to quantify C and N dynamics (incl. nitrate leaching) under different management options; (iii) spiking of soils with 15N in order to detect the fate of fertilizer N; (iv) modelling C and N dynamics for selected fields on the basis of long-term management data.
Modern society is increasingly characterized by strong interactions between physical, infrastructure and human domains of the environment. Disasters are a critical collision between climatic and geophysical dynamics and are dramatic examples of people living in conflict with their environment. Disaster reduction and resilience are key priorities identified by the EC and the Hyogo Framework for Action. A sustainability framework for natural and technological hazards is of critical importance. Therefore the main goals of SCENARIO are: - To develop a European roadmap on sustainable mitigation of natural and induced technological hazards and risks which will support future European research priorities for the 7th framework programme, contribute to European policies on natural hazards, sustain the scientific community by providing a strategic picture and support potential end-users / stakeholders. A European roadmap may inspire a European Strategy for reduction and mitigation of effects by natural and induced technological Disasters and the building of greater resilience; - To integrate fragmented research approaches, concepts and results by incorporating existing experiences on natural disaster projects and initiatives at European level, including important national and international initiatives; - To assess and reorganise the Logic Value Chain of natural disasters through updating knowledge and state of the art on natural disaster prevention and mitigation in the context of modified societal and environmental features. In order to reach the objectives, SCENARIO will set up a networking process among existing projects and activities dealing with natural disasters with several workshops and meetings for knowledge sharing and dissemination. SCENARIO fits with Europe's goals regarding sustainable development in supporting environmental policies by defining a European roadmap on sustainable mitigation of natural and induced technological hazards and risks. Prime Contractor: Politecnico di Milano; Milano; Italy.
Background: It has been hypothesized, that children could be more vulnerable to radio frequency electromagnetic field exposures from mobile telephones than adults, but no epidemiological studies of the relationship have been performed so far. The lack of knowledge causes conflicting recommendations from decision-makers, leading to anxiety and insecurity in the population. WHO has put a case-control study on childhood brain tumours as high priority on their 2006 research agenda on radio frequency electromagnetic fields. Objectives: The main goal of the study is to investigate whether use of mobile telephones increases the risk of developing brain tumours for children or adolescents. In addition, our study will provide a comprehensive dataset to investigate other potential risk factors for childhood brain tumour. Study design: The questions under study will be investigated by means of a case-control study in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. Cases will be identified through a combination of registry data and information from the wards treating the patients (e.g. Swiss Paediatric Oncology Group: SPOG). All incident cases of brain tumour in the age group 7-19 years between May 2004 and April 2008 will be invited to participate. In total, the study is expected to include 550 cases of brain tumours in the participating countries, thereof 100 originating from Switzerland. For each case, two control persons will be randomly selected from the general population, matched on age, sex and geographic regions. Exposure assessment: Information on the extent of exposure to radio frequency fields from mobile phones and on other known and suspected risk factors for childhood brain tumours will be obtained by means of computer assisted personal interviews conducted by an interviewer trained for this purpose. The interviews will take place either at the hospital or at the study participant's home. Objective information on the frequency and duration of mobile phone use will be obtained from mobile phone operators and from the information stored in the telephone that is in current use. Data analyses: The data will be analyzed using established statistical methods for case-control studies, primarily via logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounding factors. In order to investigate potential gene-environment interactions, DNA from saliva samples will be extracted and analysed. Polymorphisms in genes that affect oxidative metabolism, detoxification of carcinogens, DNA stability and repair, or immune response, are candidates that might confer genetic susceptibility to brain tumors.
Renewable natural resources (e.g. fish stocks and forests) are threatened worldwide due to non-sustainable exploitation and global environmental change, making depending industries and regions vulnerable. Over-exploitation is typically characterized by over-capitalization and destructive competition between small-scale and regionally/globally acting enterprises. In COMPROMISE the complex interactions between natural, social and institutional systems related to this will be investigated with an integrative approach. It is a key feature of such system that they characterised by low levels of knowledge. This holds for the dynamics of stocks, the economic characteristics of firms, strategies of the fishing industry, as well as for the impact of policy frameworks. Thus, in order to provide further knowledge qualitative methods are needed. The encompassing analysis starts with case studies of some fisheries in developing countries under stakeholder involvement. Typical factors and agents, patterns and conflicts will be characterized by drawing from expertise from system analysts, social and natural scientists, combined with modern modelling methods. The aim is to identify success factors for a sustainable management of renewable resources.
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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