Das Projekt "Reshaping Science-Policy Interactions in Climate Policy: International Stock-Taking and Lessons for Austria" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Freiburg, Institut für Forst- und Umweltpolitik durchgeführt. ReSciPI strives to provide policy-relevant insights on how climate science and climate policy can be integrated in a more productive way. The project builds on an innovative theoretical approach that clearly goes beyond mere 'knowledge transfer and conceptualizes science-policy interactions in an iterative and reflexive manner ('knowledge brokerage, KB). Specifically, ReSciPI aims to: (i) map and analyze the institutions, actors and processes of science-policy interaction in Austrian climate policy in order to identify the strengths, weaknesses, potentials and obstacles for an effective KB; (ii) provide an overview of different forms of institutionalization of climate KB in selected industrialized countries (stocktaking survey); (iii) get a profound understanding of how climate science and climate policy are effectively integrated in innovative KB models (in-depth cases); (iv) to provide options on how to improve institutions and processes of KB by synthesizing the empirical in-sights gained and critically reflecting with relevant stakeholders, preferably in the ACRP Forum, on how a productive climate science-policy interface in Austria and beyond could look like.
Das Projekt "Immobilisation of arsenic in paddy soil by iron(II)-oxidizing bacteria" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Tübingen, Institut für Geowissenschaften, Zentrum für Angewandte Geowissenschaften durchgeführt. Arsenic-contaminated ground- and drinking water is a global environmental problem with about 1-2Prozent of the world's population being affected. The upper drinking water limit for arsenic (10 Micro g/l) recommended by the WHO is often exceeded, even in industrial nations in Europe and the USA. Chronic intake of arsenic causes severe health problems like skin diseases (e.g. blackfoot disease) and cancer. In addition to drinking water, seafood and rice are the main reservoirs for arsenic uptake. Arsenic is oftentimes of geogenic origin and in the environment it is mainly bound to iron(III) minerals. Iron(III)-reducing bacteria are able to dissolve these iron minerals and therefore release the arsenic to the environment. In turn, iron(II)-oxidizing bacteria have the potential to co-precipitate or sorb arsenic during iron(II)- oxidation at neutral pH followed by iron(III) mineral precipitation. This process may reduce arsenic concentrations in the environment drastically, lowering the potential risk for humans dramatically.The main goal of this study therefore is to quantify, identify and isolate anaerobic and aerobic Fe(II)-oxidizing microorganisms in arsenic-containing paddy soil. The co-precipitation and thus removal of arsenic by iron mineral producing bacteria will be determined in batch and microcosm experiments. Finally the influence of rhizosphere redox status on microbial Fe oxidation and arsenic uptake into rice plants will be evaluated in microcosm experiments. The long-term goal of this research is to better understand arsenic-co-precipitation and thus arsenic-immobilization by iron(II)-oxidizing bacteria in rice paddy soil. Potentially these results can lead to an improvement of living conditions in affected countries, e.g. in China or Bangladesh.
Das Projekt "Strategies and Tools to Assess and Implement noise Reducing measures for Railway Systems (STAIRRS)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Deutsche Bahn AG, Bahn-Umwelt-Zentrum (VU) durchgeführt. Objective: STAIRRS proposal is a response to Task 2.2.2/5 in the 5th Framework Programme fi Sustainable Mobility and Intermodality: Competitive and Sustainable Growth fl It contains three work Packages: WP1 Development of a tool for a common European scale cost benefit study of different options for implementing low noise solutions, leading to industrial development and implementation of optimal solutions on a local, national and international level. WP2 Refinement of assessment of noise from railway systems, using advanced procedures to prevent the need to duplicate measurements for interoperable vehicles, and thus reduce testing costs. by providing values applicable to various countries, by a single operation. Such methods will also allow separation of vehicle and track contributions to rolling noise. WP3 action to strategy makers using results from WP1 and WP2. Prime Contractor: Stichting European Rail Research Institute; Utrecht; Nederland.
Das Projekt "G 1.1: Assessment of Innovations and Sustainable Strategies" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Hohenheim, Institut für Landwirtschaftliche Betriebslehre durchgeführt. Farm households, whose living standard largely depend on the successful management of natural resources, have a low per capita income and are in danger of further impoverishment due to unsustainable resource management. Investigations in the first phase confirmed the hypothesis. A great number of farms were analyzed and clustered in representative types in both countries. Sustainability was measured using a sustainability index, which indicates tremendous environmental effects and variation between individual farms and ethnic groups.Sub-project G1.1 will follow three major tasks. The first is to evaluate sustainability strategies on the farm and farming system level, as it was done in the previous phase, but on the basis of a significantly extended data base. The second is to aggregate farm household data to the regional level. For this, a comparative-static approach is chosen. The third is to develop a multi-agent-based simulation model. Multi-agent simulation models (MAS) as well as GIS-tools are gaining increasing importance as tools for simulating future agriculture resource use, since they allow the integration of a wide range of different stakeholder's perceptions. It becomes possible to simulate the dynamic effects of changing land use patterns, environmental policy options, and technical innovation together with environmental constraints and structural change issues. The MAS approach is used to model heterogeneous farm-household and political decision makers perspectives by capturing their socio-economic, environmental, and spatial interactions explicitly. The integration of economic and spatial processes facilitates the consideration of feedback effects and the efficient use of scarce land resources. The simulation runs of the model will be carried out with a socio-economic and GIS data set, which is provided by the previous project phase in the attempt to generate effective ways of land use resource management. Land use efficiency is strongly influenced by the overall land allocation policy analyzed in project F1. Therefore, this is an important area further integrated research using MAS in combination with GIS as modeling tools.To achieve a continuous integration of results in the best possible way, a computer-based discussion/communication platform is developed. This serves as the conceptual basis for the development of the final multi-agent simulation model. Results of the discussion/communication platform and the agent-based simulation model will continuously be passed on to downstream sub-projects to be integrated into the ongoing research activities.
Das Projekt "Spatiotemporal dynamics of biogenic Si pools in initial soils and their relevance for desilication" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Leibniz-Zentrum für Agrarlandschaftsforschung (ZALF) e.V., Institut für Bodenlandschaftsforschung durchgeführt. The project has the objective to clarify the interactions between dynamics of biogenic Si pools and desilication rates in transient soil systems. This will be the first attempt ever to quantify sizes and turnover dynamics of both phytogenic and zoogenic Si pools in soils at the same time, together with the controls acting on them. Starting with a characterization of soils initial state at catchment scale we will analyze the annual SiO2 production of the vegetation as a function of (i) spatial distribution of plant available Si in soils as well as (ii) dynamics of invading Si accumulators. To do so we will employ modern remote sensing techniques (UAV). After four vegetation periods, changes in soils phytogenic Si pool will be compared to cumulative SiO2 production of Si accumulators by mass balance calculations. Using plot scale manipulation experiments we will elucidate the influence of an increasing phytogenic Si pool on desilication rates. At four sites annual Si exports via soil solution will be determined under pure stands of both, Si accumulator and non-accumulator plants. Plant SiO2 will be subjected to dissolution experiments to yield mechanistic information necessary for the development of algorithms to model observed desilication rates. The dynamics of the zoogenic Si pool (testate amoebae) in soil will be quantified as a function of plant pattern dynamics at catchment scale. For the first time, the attempt will be made to quantify the zoogenic Si pool size by analyzing living and dead amoebae with Energy-dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy combined with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDX). The factors controlling testate amoebae densities will be identified in plot and lab experiments. We will test the presumed carbon, water / nutrient and Si limitation on amoebal growth at plot scale using a completely randomized block design. The influence of silica supply on testate amoebae (idiosome growth) will be clarified in lab experiments under controlled conditions (clonal cultures).
Das Projekt "Local Beer Production in Urban Burkina Faso - Impacts of Improved Brewing Processes on Firewood Consumption" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung e.V. RWI, Kompetenzbereich Umwelt und Ressourcen durchgeführt. Small-scale production of local sorghum beer has a long tradition in Sahelian countries. In Burkina Faso the beer called 'Dolo' is deeply embedded in the local culture and consumed with moderation by the Burkinabè population. The craft of Dolo production is exclusively reserved to women, the so-called 'Dolotières', of which a few hundred are active in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso's capital. The production process in the dry country is very firewood intensive: In fact, according to the Ministry of Environment, firewood consumed by the Dolotières accounts for 50Prozent of total firewood consumption in Ouagadougou. The firewood usage in Ouagadougou, in turn, imposes substantial pressures on firewood markets and wood stands in surrounding rural areas, which has tremendous implications for large parts of the country's population that rely on this fuel for their day-to-day cooking purposes. Against this background, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has incorporated one component in its Improved Cooking Stoves program 'Foyers Améliorés Au Burkina Faso' (FAFASO) that aims at introducing improved brewing devices among the brewers through promotion and subsidization activities. Like the mobile improved cooking stoves for households, these stationary stoves are designed to reduce fuel consumption per stove application and to curb smoke emissions. The purpose of this research project is to assess the impacts of this intervention on the firewood consumption in the beer brewing sector. In September 2010, a baseline survey was conducted by a local institute. Together with the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), RWI will implement a follow-up survey in September 2012 in order to assess the extent to which the Dolotières have adopted the improved brewing devices and in how far this has actually brought down firewood consumption. If possible, a difference-in-difference approach will be applied. Depending on the penetration rate of the brewing devices and the take-up rate among the baseline sample, a further cross-sectional dimension will be added to the identification approach. This research effort will thus show whether focussing on commercial firewood users is an effective way to relieve pressures on the firewood market.
Das Projekt "Integration of remote sensing techniques and information on ecosystem services to measure tropical forest degradation - A case study from the tropical rain forest of Ecuador" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Freiburg, Institut für Geo- und Umweltnaturwissenschaften, Professur für Landespflege durchgeführt. Forest degradation is a serious problem, particularly in developing countries. It affects the social, cultural, and ecological functions of forests, and it is a silent killer of sustainable development. Also, forest degradation is one of the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions although its significance has not been estimated on a global scale. In Ecuador degradation is one of the greatest direct threats to biodiversity and forests in the country affecting the ecosystem services provision. The country has approximately 10 million hectares of forest and 6 million hectares are located in the Amazon Basin region. Numerous ecosystem services derived from the region such as pollination and flood control may also appear in larger spatial scales, extending over complex landscapes and whole watershed. This study will analyse forest degradation in tropical rain forest of Ecuador. This zone has one of the greatest concentrations of biodiversity within the world s tropical forests. The objective of this study is to integrate remote sensing techniques and information on ecosystem services to measure tropical forest degradation in the rain tropical forest. The specific objectives are (a) to measure the structural aspects of forest degradation by RS methods and (b) to relate structural forest degradation to the provision of ecosystem services by interviews. The results will be used to produce several scientific publications (e.g. SARs potential to assess and assessment of ecosystem services provision in the study area). Also results will be an input to some local strategies in favour of conservation carried out in Ecuador.
Das Projekt "F 1: Resource tenure and management of natural resources in mountainous regions of Northern Thailand and Northwest Vietnam" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Hohenheim, Institut für Agrar- und Sozialökonomie in den Tropen und Subtropen durchgeführt. In this subproject the effects of access to land on management of natural resources in highland regions of Southeast Asia are analysed drawing on case studies in selected watersheds of Northern Thailand and Northern Vietnam. The policies with regard to land tenure regimes in mountainous regions differ significantly between Thailand and Vietnam. Whereas Thailand largely neglects land use rights of ethnic minorities for both forest and agricultural land, Vietnam has started with the allocation of land use certificates for agricultural and forest land to individual households. The purpose of this subproject is to analyse how these policies are implemented and transformed at the local level and to provide insight into the effects of different land use policies on land use planning, natural resource management, adoption of soil and water conservation and other long-term investments, such as planting of fruit trees. Moreover, the different strategies of villagers to sustain their land use rights under various property regimes are analysed. Thus, the subproject will provide valuable information on resource management to other subprojects of the proposed SFB which are concentrating on the development of more sustainable land use practices in the highlands of Northern Thailand and Northern Vietnam. At the same time it will also draw upon the information gained in other subprojects on technical and socio-economic production constraints. Close connections exist with the studies on 'Sustainability of mountain farming systems' (D3), 'Rural finance development' (F2) 'Development projects, state administration and local responses' (F3), 'Soil conservation and crop productivity' (B3), 'Ecological assessment of barren hills' (C2) and ' Efficiency of smallholder animal husbandry' (D2).
Das Projekt "Development of New Technologies for Low Noise Railways Infrastructure (SILENT TRACK)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Luft- und Raumfahrt durchgeführt. General information: Amongst environmental issues that represent major constraints for European Railways, noise generated by freight traffic is one of the most important and difficult to solve. Freight traffic is operated as much at night as during the day, and noise levels imposed by legislation tend to be particularly severe for this type of traffic. Noise emitted by freight traffic is the result of interaction between freight wagons, belonging to a wide number of Companies all over Europe and neighbour countries, and national infrastructures This makes solutions especially difficult to apply, and require a joint effort at European level. Although ground based protection such as noise barriers, or buildings improvement. will remain locally necessary, a reduction at the source is indeed more efficient, when achievable Reducing freight traffic noise at its source requires combined action on both track and wagons. Therefore, (( Silent Track )) project clusters closely with the BRITE EURAM 'Silent Freight' project, BRPR CT95 0047, started in february 1996, which concentrates on solutions for interoperable rolling stock The objectives of (( Silent Track )) are to develop a number of innovative technical solutions to be applied to existing tracks, and also to new infrastructure, allowing to reach, together with a combined action on vehicles, a global reduction of noise emitted by the train/track system by about 10 dB(A) The cost of implementing these solutions, by retrofit on existing tracks, or from building stage for new ones. must remain reasonable, that is significantly lower than the cost of a noise barrier. Work will include development of investigation and simulation tools, design and validation of solutions. with a strong emphasis on the understanding of phenomena governing rail roughness, the optimisation of the design of track components ( rail, fastening systems, sleepers...). It will be concluded by a demonstration exercise coordinated with Silent Freight where prototype solutions for wagons and track will be jointly tested, shonwing achievable noise reduction and allowing an extensive validation of new models. Guidelines ill been producec in view of standardisation and of defining a policy for the implementation of low noise design in Europe. The project will be carried out by a consortium coordinated by the European Rail Research lnstitute (ERRI ), a body in charge of RTD for all European Railways, and including several manufacturer, of rails. fasteners. pads and other components. and several Research Centres. Prime Contractor: Stichting European Rail Research Institute; Utrecht; Nederland.
Das Projekt "NEMO - Teilvorhaben: Integration and application of SIMTOOL within the NEMO framework" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme durchgeführt. The overall objective of the NEMO project is the development of a simulation and optimisation tool suite on the impact of a large volume of electric vehicles (EV) on the power grid. The tool suite is based on existing simulation tools of the three main consortium partners KEMA, Fraunhofer ISE, and EMD. These three tools will be further extended for grid impact of EVs, and a framework will be developed to integrate these tools in a cooperative suite for impact studies on all grid voltage levels. Fraunhofer ISE's objective within its subproject 'integration and assessment of SIMTOOL within the NEMO framework' is to extend its simulation and optimisation tool SIMTOOL to the assessment of EV grid impact. In the 1st project phase ISE will bring in its individual expertise and especially the functionalities and application field of the existing SIMTOOL software modules. This will be completed with a state-of-the-art survey leading to an inventory of tools and concepts relevant for the topic. The focus of the next project phase is the application of the NEMO tool suite including the extended SIMTOOL software and methodology for investigating exemplary case study situations with Fraunhofer ISE's special focus on abnormal charging situations. Finally the project team will concretise actions for implementing the project results and focus dissemination actions to such functionalities and target groups most promising for guaranteeing maximum impact.
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