Background: An increasing frequency of massive flooding along the lower Yangtse River in China ended in a disastrous catastrophe in summer 1998 leaving several thousand people homeless, more than 3.600 dead and causing enormous economic damage. Inappropriate land-use techniques and large scale timber felling in the water catchment of the upper Yangtse and its feeder streams were stated to be the main causes. Immediate timber cutting bans were imposed and investigations on land use patterns were initiated by the Chinese Government. The Institute for World Forestry of the Federal Research Centre for Forestry and Forest Products was approached by the Yunnan Academy of Forestry in Kunming to exchange experiences and to cooperate scientifically in the design and application of appropriate afforestation and silvicultural management techniques in the water catchment area of the Yangtse. This cooperation was initiated in 1999 and is based on formal agreements in the fields of agrarian research between the German and Chinese Governments. Objectives: The cooperation was in the first step focussing on the identification of factors which caused the enormous floodings. After their identification measures of prevention were determined and put into practice. In this context experiences made in past centuries in the alpine region of central Europe served as an incentive and example for similar environmental problems and solutions under comparable conditions. Relevant key questions of the cooperation project were: - Analysis of forest related factors influencing the recent floodings of the Yangtse, - Analysis and evaluation of silvicultural management experiences from central Europe for know-how transfer, - Evaluation of rehabilitation measures for successful application in Yunnan, - Dissemination of knowledge through vocational training. Results: - Frequent wild grazing of husbandry is a key factor for forest degeneration beyond unsustainable timber harvests, forest fires and insect calamities leading to increased water run-off in the mountainous region of Yunnan; - Browsing of cattle interrupts succession thus avoiding natural regeneration and leaving a logging ban ineffective; - Mountain pasture in the Alps had similar effects in the past in central Europe. The introduction of controlled grazing has led to an ecologically compatible coexistence of pasture and ecology. Close-to-nature forestry can have positive effects in this sensitive environment. - Afforestation with site adopted broadleaves and coniferous tree species was implemented on demonstration level using advanced techniques in Yunnan.
Background: Ghanas transition forests, neighbouring savannahs and timber plantations in the Ashanti region face a constant degradation due to the increased occurrence of fires. In most cases the fires are deliberately set by rural people for hunting purposes. Main target is a cane rat, here called grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus), whose bushmeat is highly esteemed throughout the country. The animal is a wild herbivorous rodent of subhumid areas in Africa south of the Sahara. The grasscutter meat is an important source of animal protein. Existing high-value timber plantations (mainly Teak, Tectona grandis) are affected by fires for hunting purposes. Thus resulting in growth reduction, loss of biomass or even complete destruction of the forest stands. It became obvious that solutions had to be sought for the reduction of the fire risk. Objectives: Since 2004 the Institute for World Forestry of the Federal Research Centre for Forestry and Forest Products, Hamburg, Germany is cooperating with a Ghanaian timber plantation company (DuPaul Wood Treatment Ltd.) the German Foundation for Forest Conservation in Africa (Stiftung Walderhaltung in Afrika) and the Center for International Migration with the purpose to improve the livelihood of the rural population in the surroundings of the forest plantation sites and simultaneously to safeguard and improve the timber plantations. The introduction of grasscutter rearing systems to local farmers accompanied by permanent agricultural and agroforestry practices appeared to be a promising approach for the prevention of fires in the susceptible areas. Additionally a functioning grasscutter breeding system could contribute to the improvement of food security, development of income sources and the alleviation of poverty. The following measures are implemented: - Identification of farmers interested in grasscutter captive breeding, - Implementation of training courses for farmers on grasscutter rearing, - Delivery of breeding animals, - Supervision of rearing conditions by project staff, - Development of a local extension service for monitoring activities, - Evaluation of structures for grasscutter meat marketing. Results: After identification of key persons for animal rearing training courses were successfully passed and animals were delivered subsequently. Further investigations will evaluate the effects of the grasscutter rearing in the project region. This will be assessed through the - Acceptance of grasscutter rearing by farmers, - Success of the animal caging, - Reproduction rate, - Meat quality, - Marketing success of meat, - Reduction of fire in the vicinity of the timber plantations, - Improvement of peoples livelihood.
Zusammensetzung und Menge der organischen Bodensubstanz (OBS) werden durch die Landnutzungsform beeinflußt. Die OBS läßt sich nach ihrer Abbaubarkeit und nach ihrer Löslichkeit in verschiedene Pools einteilen. So kann die wasserlösliche organische Bodensubstanz (DOM) als Maßzahl für die abbaubare OBS herangezogen werden. Mit Natriumpyrophosphat-Lösung als Extraktionsmittel läßt sich ein weit größerer Anteil der OBS erfassen, da der stabilisierende Bindungsfaktor zwischen OBS und Bodenmineralen entfernt wird. Extrahiert man zuerst mit Wasser und anschließend mit Natriumpyrophosphat-Lösung, erhält man im letzten Schritt den schwer abbaubaren OBS-Anteil. Über die funktionelle Zusammensetzung der organischen Substanz dieser Pools und deren Abhängigkeit von Landnutzungsformen ist relativ wenig bekannt. Ziel der geplanten Untersuchung ist es, den Pool der löslichen abbaubaren und schwer abbaubaren OBS zu quantifizieren und deren funktionelle Zusammensetzung mittels FT-IR Spektroskopie zu erfassen. Die so gewonnenen Daten sollen der Validierung von Soil Organic Matter Turnover modellen (z.B. Roth 23.6) dienen und die im Modell berechneten Pools um einen qualitativen Term ergänzen. In Zusammenarbeit mit anderen Arbeitsgruppen sollen im DFG-Schwerpunktprogramm 1090: ;Böden als Quelle und Senke für CO2 die Pools der löslichen abbaubaren und schwer schwer löslichen, schwer abbaubaren organischen Bodensubstanz (OBS) quantifiziert, die funktionelle Zusammensetzung dieser Pools mittels FT-IR Spektroskopie erfasst und Abbaubarkeit der erhaltenen Extrakte überprüft werden, um Mechanismen, die zur Stabilisierung der OBS führen, aufzuklären.
Hydrothermal activity at mid-oceanic ridges is an important factor for the heat and mass transfer between the mantle and the ocean. Little information is available on the life-span of hydrothermal systems, their temporal variability or changes of the chemistry of hydrothermal solutions with time. Based on age determinations of hydrothermal deposits by means of natural radionuclides, the duration and periodicity of hydrothermal activity shall be investigated in the Logatchev field and, for the first time, in hydrothermal fields at 15 degree N at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which are due to serpentinization of ultramafic rocks. Based on the geochemistry and the ages of the hydrothermal deposits information on the variability of the hydrothermal fluids during the geological past will be obtained. The importance of the residence time of hydrothermal fluids in the crust for their chemical composition will be investigated for the different fluids venting at the Logatchev field. These studies are based on sampling of fluids and hydrothermal precipitates which will be conducted during the FS Meteor cruise M60/3 along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between 14 degree 45 N and 15 degree 05 N.
Wirksame Maßnahmen zum Gewässerschutz, wie sie von der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie als Bestandteil des nachhaltigen Land- und Wassermanagements gefordert werden, setzen fundierte Kenntnisse zu Stoffretentions- und -umsatzprozessen in Landschaften voraus. Vergleiche von Stoffaus- und -einträgen wie auch mit den Fließgewässern ausgetragene Frachten belegen das hohe Stoffretentionspotenzial pleistozäner Einzugsgebiete und Fließgewässersysteme. Forschungsbedarf besteht zur Quantifizierung und Modellierung der dafür auf Landschaftsebene maßgeblichen Transport- und Transformationsprozesse unter den durch Wechselfeuchte und Wassermangelperioden gekennzeichneten hydrologischen Verhältnissen des pleistozänen Tieflands. Die vorliegenden pfadbezogenen Konzepte mit sehr unterschiedlicher Flächendifferenzierung unterscheiden zwischen Stofftransport auf der Landoberfläche (Oberflächenabfluss, Bodenabtrag) und im Boden/Grundwasserleiter. Problematisch gestalten sich Übertragung und Parametrisierung dieser Prozesse auf der Mesoskala (Einzugsgebiete). Weniger gut beschreibbar sind ebenso die Prozesse des Bodenabtrags, zu deren Quantifizierung auch verbesserte prozessorientierte Modelle benötigt werden, und die komplexen geo- und biogeochemischen Stofftransformationsprozesse in der nicht durchwurzelten ungesättigten und gesättigten Zone. Stofffrachten, die sich bereits auf dem unterirdischen Pfad befinden, erfahren noch vor ihrem Übertritt in die Gewässer eine Reduktion in den oft vermoorten Gewässerrandbereichen. Auch der oberirdische Stofftransfer aus dem Einzugsgebiet in das Gewässer kann in solchen, aquatische und terrestrische Ökosysteme verbindenden Landschaftselementen vermindert werden. Kenntnisse zur Quantifizierung, Bewertung und Steuerung des Stoffumsatz- und -retentionsvermögens kleinerer Fließgewässersysteme der Ober- und Mittelläufe sowie feuchter Senkenareale in Binneneinzugsgebieten werden benötigt, um Handlungsoptionen zum Gewässerschutz ableiten zu können und tatsächlich in Unterliegergewässer und -gebiete gelangende Stofffrachten abzuschätzen. Dabei zu lösende Aufgaben sind die Aufklärung der Stoffretentions- und -freisetzungsprozesse, insbesondere für die gewässergüterelevanten Stoffe N, P, C und O, die Quantifizierung von Retentionspotenzialen für geohydro- und gewässermorphologische Typen, die Ableitung von Leitprozessen und -parametern sowie Bioindikatoren und die Erarbeitung von Algorithmen zur Quantifizierung der Potenziale auf mesoskaliger Ebene. Projektziel: Entwicklung verbesserter skalen- und pfadbezogener Methoden und Modelle zur Quantifizierung der Transport- und Transformationsprozesse wassergelöster Stoffe sowie deren Wechselwirkungen in den Kompartimenten von Einzugsgebieten des pleistozänen Tieflands als Grundlage für die Beschreibung und Bewertung der Stoffretentionspotenziale sowie der Wirkung von Landnutzungsänderungen auf die Stoffbelastung kleiner Stand- und Fließgewässer.
Graffiti is a major, increasing danger to architectural heritage materials, generating also a negative social connotation. Apart from aesthetics aspects, interactions of graffiti with substrate, as well as cleaning procedures, threaten historical substance. Monuments made of stone, bricks and mortars are menaced by this problem because very often, porous natural materials were employed. Two major kind of coatings are currently being used for protecting surfaces against graffiti: permanent and sacrificial. First kind is suited for materials with low porosity, as metals and concrete, but does not fit the requirements for porous ancient materials. Second one is sometimes used in monuments, but it is not an appropriated solution, since removal procedures can damage substrates somewhat. Hence, effective solutions for anti-graffiti systems is an urgent social and technical necessity. The main objective of this project is to develop novel conservation coatings suited for protecting materials of historical monuments, based on a similar structure of ancient protein coatings, avoiding the disadvantages of currently used antigraffiti coatings . This develop is based in a totally new formulation made by complexation of polyampholytes with polymeric amines modified by fluorocarbon residues. These will be a new generation of antigraffiti coatings, specifically suited for the protection of monuments, which after further development, could be commercialised and applied by SME's involved in this market, thus increasing the competitiveness of these companies. Main characteristics of these products are: - Low surface energy - Permanent under out-door conditions - Reversible to specially designed mild cleaning systems - Permeable to water-vapour - Impermeable to liquid water - Transparent The objective will be achieved by means of research activities, such as: definition of requirements and test procedures, design of new anti-graffiti system, characterisation of substrates, comparative assessment of currently used and the new protection and conservation strategies and evaluation of the technical and socio-economic impact of the new anti-graffiti on cultural heritage materials. Prime Contractor: Fundacion Labein; Derio; Spain.
The project proposes the design and proof of concept of autonomous units (EUMOPs), capable of mitigating and eliminating the threat arising from oil spill incidents. The end-result of this project will be the conceptual development and validation of low cost, possibly recyclable, autonomous vessels/drones that will be released in the oil spill area, will automatically (through proper sensors) track the oil concentration specifics of the spill and will apply either mechanical or chemical countermeasures locally. Combining a large number of such units will confront the entire spill. A range of such units will be designed to allow their use in various oil spill scenarios. The complete integrated system, including communication, logistical support, and response management will be analyzed and assessed. The goal of the EU-MOP project is to introduce an innovative, reliable and advanced oil combating 'total solution', thereby enhancing the existing oil confrontation capability and the protection of marine environment. The term 'introduce' is meant to include the design of the System and the validation (proof of concept) of the EU-MOP solution.
The natural forests of the world are under intense pressure as their area decreases from year to year. The loss of natural forest and its biodiversity goes along with a declining number of goods and services provided by these ecosystems. The establishment of forest plantations could provide one possible solution to influence this trend. However, these plantations cannot always compensate for the natural diversity and often do not meet the expected supply of goods and services. This project is cooperation between the Forest Research Institute Dehra Dun (India), Alterra Wageningen (the Netherlands) and the Silviculture Institute in Freiburg. It aims to develop suitable methodologies for the assessment of ecosystem goods and services provided by planted forests in selected study areas in India and Germany. The study areas in both countries cover different vegetation zones in the mountain areas (Forests of Himalayan Range in the State of Uttaranchal in India and in the Black Forest in Germany). These areas comprise of 20 km long and 30 km wide strips. Within the study area the requirements of local stakeholders as well as provision of actual ecosystem goods and services from different landscape units will be studied. In the former case, participatory appraisal methods will be applied to evaluate uses of ecosystem goods and services according to local perceptions. In India, this work will be mainly based on research at village level, while in Germany focus group discussions with representatives of different stakeholders will be organised. The actual ecosystem goods and services will be assessed through an inventory of each landscape unit (especially forests and plantations) within the action range of the villages. The collected data will be processed in a landscape model to assess the importance of forest plantations in providing goods and services, compared to other landscape units. On the basis of these results, management options will be identified to adjust plantation management according to the local demands of ecosystem goods and services. Furthermore, the results will promote general awareness about the importance of biodiversity in providing ecosystem goods and services.
This study has to be understood in the frame of the global Energy Policy. A great part of world energy production is currently based on non-renewable sources: oil, gas and coal. Global warming and restricted fossil energy sources force a strong demand for another climate compatible energy supply. Therefore, fossil energy sources will nearly disappear until the end of this century. The question is to find a viable replacement. By using viable' it is meant a low-cost and environmental friendly energy. In other words, the question is to find an alternative to nuclear energy among all proposed but still not mature renewable energies. One of the solutions proposed is solar energy. Yet, two major concerns slow down its development as an alternative: first, it lacks of technological maturity and secondly it suffers from alternating supply during days and nights, winters and summers. The idea proposed by Glaser in the sixties to bypass this inconvenient is to take the energy at the source (or at least, as near as possible): in other words, to put a solar station on orbit that captures the energy without problems of climatic conditions and to redirect it through a beam to the ground. That is the concept of Solar Power Satellites. Its principal feasibility was shown by DOE / NASA in 1970 years studies (5 GW SPS in GEO). Project objectives: This phase 1 study activity is to be seen as the initial step of a series of investigations on the viability of power generation in space facing towards an European strategy on renewable, CO2 free energy generation, including a technology development roadmap pacing the way to establish in a step-wise approach on energy generation capabilities in space. The entire activity has to be embedded in an international network of competent, experienced partners. As part of this, an interrelationship to and incorporation of activities targeting the aims of the EU 6th FP ESSPERANS should be maintained. In particular, the activities related to following objectives are described: The generation of scientifically sound and objective results on terrestrial CO2 emission free power generation solutions in comparison with state-of-the-art space based solar power solutions The detailed comparison and trades between the terrestrial and the space based solutions in terms of cost, reliability and risk The identification of possible synergies between ground and space based power generation solutions The assessment on terrestrial energy storage needs by combining ground based with space based energy generation solutions The investigation of the viability of concepts in terms of energy balance of the complete systems and payback times.
Objective: IPCC climate change scenarios have a global perspective and need to be scaled down to the local level, where decision makers have to balance risks and investment costs. Very high investments might be a waste of money and too little investment could result in unacceptable risk for the local community. PREPARED is industry driven, 12 city utilities are involved in the project and the RDT carried out is based on the impacts of climate change the water supply and sanitation industry has identified as a challenge for the years to come. The result of PREPARED will be an infrastructure for waste water, drinking water and storm water management that will not only be able better cope with new scenarios on climate change but that is also managed in a optimal way. We will have complexes monitoring and sensor systems, better integration and handling of complex data, better exploitation of existing infrastructures through improved real time control, new design concepts and guidelines for more flexible and more robust infrastructures. PREPARED will involve the local community in problem identification and in jointly finding acceptable system solutions, that are supported by all, through active learning processes. Activities and solutions in PREPARED will be based on a risk assessment and risk management approach for the whole urban water cycle, through the development of innovative Water Cycle Safety Plans. Other innovations are sensors and models that will enable faster and better actions on changes and new design rules for more resilient design. We will combine European knowledge with valuable knowledge from Australia and the USA, to make the European Water sector more competitive. This to enable our industrial partners to export the products developed in PREPARED to other regions of the world, thus contributing to the Lisbon Goals but also to the MDGs. To ensure this exploitation the PREPARED consortium consist of more than 50% industrial partners and is demand driven.
| Origin | Count |
|---|---|
| Bund | 52 |
| Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Förderprogramm | 52 |
| License | Count |
|---|---|
| offen | 52 |
| Language | Count |
|---|---|
| Deutsch | 16 |
| Englisch | 48 |
| Resource type | Count |
|---|---|
| Keine | 34 |
| Webseite | 18 |
| Topic | Count |
|---|---|
| Boden | 50 |
| Lebewesen und Lebensräume | 51 |
| Luft | 39 |
| Mensch und Umwelt | 52 |
| Wasser | 43 |
| Weitere | 52 |