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Found 43 results.

Development of a modelling system for prediction and regulation of livestock waste pollution in the humid tropics

Introduction: In Malaysia, excessive nutrients from livestock waste management systems are currently released to the environment. Particularly, large amounts of manure from intensive pig production areas are being excreted daily and are not being fully utilised. Alternatively, the excess manure can be applied as an organic fertiliser source in neighbouring cropping systems on the small landholdings of the pig farms to improve soil fertility so that its nutrients will be available for crop uptake instead of being discharged into water streams. Thus, there is a need for better tools to analyse the present situation, to evaluate and monitor alternative livestock production systems and manure management scenarios, and to support farmers in the proper management of manure and fertiliser application. Such tools are essential to quantify, and assess nutrient fluxes, manure quality and content, manure storage and application rate to the land as well as its environmental effects. Several computer models of animal waste management systems to assist producers and authorities are now available. However, it is felt that more development is needed to adopt such models to the humid tropics and conditions of Malaysia and other developing countries in the region. Objectives: The aim is to develop a novel model to evaluate nutrient emission scenarios and the impact of livestock waste at the landscape or regional level in humid tropics. The study will link and improve existing models to evaluate emission of N to the atmosphere, and leaching of nutrients to groundwater and surface water. The simulation outputs of the models will be integrated with a GIS spatial analysis to model the distribution of nutrient emission, leaching and appropriate manure application on neighbouring crop lands and as an information and decision support tool for the relevant users.

Eine systematische Übersicht über Fragebögen aus Lärmwirkungsstudien

In Fragebogen-Untersuchungen zur Lärmwirkung wurden bisher sehr unterschiedliche Operationalisierungen von Wirkungsvariablen (wie z.B. Belästigung, Störung von Aktivitäten) und außer-akustischen Faktoren (sog. Moderatoren wie z.B. Lärmempfindlichkeit, misfeasance) verwendet. Deshalb hat sich die Arbeitsgruppe community response der International Commission on the Biological Effects of Noise (ICBEN, Team No. 6) als langfristiges Ziel die Entwicklung von Fragebogen-Guidelines und die Formulierung eines Muster-Fragebogens für die Lärmwirkungsforschung gesetzt. D.h. es soll ein Vorschlag erarbeitet werden, in welcher Form globale und spezifische Lärmwirkungen in Befragungen erhoben werden sollten. Um dieses Vorhaben zu unterstützen, hat der Arbeitskreis Ökologische Lärmforschung die Erstellung einer systematischen Übersicht über vorhandene Fragebögen aus Lärmwirkungsstudien auf internationaler Ebene in Angriff genommen. Diese Übersicht soll es u.a. ermöglichen, die Struktur von verschiedenen Fragebögen sowie die in ihnen verwendeten Operationalisierungen für Lärmwirkungs- und Moderatorvariablen (hinsichtlich Art der Frageformulierung sowie der Antwortformate) zu vergleichen. Für den/die einzelne/n Lärmforscher/in bietet diese Übersicht die Möglichkeit, sich auf sehr effiziente Art und Weise darüber zu informieren, wie bestimmte Konstrukte in bisherigen Untersuchungen operationalisiert worden sind bzw. welche Alternativen zu den bereits selbst angewandten Operationalisierungen bestehen. Nach einer systematischen Ermittlung von Namen und Adressen einschlägiger Lärmforscher/innen, wurden diese um die Zusendung von Fragebögen sowie ergänzender Materialien aus eigenen Lärmwirkungsstudien gebeten. Die zugesandten Fragebögen werden gegebenenfalls übersetzt und mit der Methode der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet. Hierbei werden die Fragebögen im Hinblick auf formelle Aspekte (z.B. Jahr der Erhebung, Sprache, Art der Befragungsmethode) wie auch im Hinblick auf strukturelle Aspekte (z.B. Umfang des Fragebogens, abgefragte Variablengruppen, Antwortformate) ausgewertet. Hauptgegenstand der Auswertung ist aber insbesondere die Auswertung der Lärmwirkungsvariablen (z.B. die Abfrage der globalen Lärmbelästigung, Aktivitätenstörungen, Kommunikationsstörungen) sowie der Moderatorvariablen (z.B. Lärmempfindlichkeit, Lärmbewältigungsvermögen, misfeasance). Parallel dazu wurde eine Datenbank entwickelt, in der die Ergebnisse der Analysen dargestellt und verwaltet werden. Diese Datenbank wird ab November 2001 im Internet unter http://www.eco.psy.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/nqd für jede/n interessierte/n Forscher/in zugänglich und nutzbar sein. Langfristig ist darüber hinaus geplant, ein Archiv mit den Original-Fragebögen aufzubauen, in dem einzelne Fragebögen auf Wunsch eingesehen werden können.

Possible Options for the better integration of environmental concerns into the various systems of support for animal products - German case study

5. RP Harmonirib-Harmonisation of representative river basin data modelling - HARMONIRIB

*The Water Framework Directive (WFD) provides a European policy basis at the river basin scale. The river basin management and planning process prescribed in the WFD focuses on integrated management, involving all physical domains in water management, sectors of water use, socio-economics and stakeholder participation. As such, the WFD poses new challenges to water resources managers. In practise, the preparation of WFD river basin management plans is influenced by uncertainties in the underlying data and modelling results. The preparation of integrated water management plans for the WFD will require making a large number of decisions by operational agencies in Europe. A decision maker has to make decisions based on available information. In most cases this information is deficient, incomplete and uncertain. How should this affect the decision making. Therefore, there is a clear and urgent need for developing new methodologies and tools that can be used to assist in implementing the WFD. In order to support such research and development, it is necessary to have a network of representative river basins with datasets suitable for this purpose. This implies that the datasets, in addition to covering the diversity in terms of ecological regimes and socio-economic conditions found across Europe, must have built-in information on the uncertainties in the data. HarmoniRiB is a research and technological development (RTD) project funded by the European Commission (contract number EVK1-CT-2002-00109) that was initiated in October 2002 and will be completed in March 2006. The overall goal of HarmoniRiB is to develop methodologies for quantifying uncertainty and its propagation from the raw data to concise management information. Thus, the HarmoniRiB project aims to support the WFD implementation, by addressing issues of uncertainty in data and modelling, and by developing a 'virtual laboratory for modelling studies'. This virtual laboratory will comprise of a set of river basins, of which data relevant to modelling and the WFD implementation are readily available for the scientific community. The data can be used for comparison and demonstration of methodologies and models relevant to the WFD. HarmoniRiB is implemented by a Consortium of ten partners from eight European countries. It consists of three universities (UVA, TUC, UCLM), five public research institutes (GEUS, RIZA, CNR-IRSA, UFZ, CEH) one private sector research and consulting company (DHI) and one river basin authority (PM). The British partner of the Consortium is the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH). CEH role in the project is to develop a database design for data required to support river basin management,to populate the database with a dataset from the Kennet river basin, and to conduct a demonstratition case study on that basin.

Resolving the impact of climatic processes on ecosystems of the North Atlantic basin and shelf seas: Integrating and advancing observation, monitoring, and prediction (BASIN)

The scale of influence of global change and the added value of co-ordinating the scientific activities of the EU and North American countries to assess, predict and mitigate the effects on marine ecosystems of the North Atlantic and their services is the justification for the development of the BASIN SSA. An important step towards such a co-ordinated approach is the development of an implementation plan where by jointly funded international projects can be supported. The development of such a plan is the first key goal of BASIN. The second goal of BASIN is to develop an integrated basin-scale North Atlantic research program, for submission to the EU 7th framework program, US NSF and Canadian NSERC for joint funding. Programmatic goals will be achieved in working groups including experts from both the EU and North America as well as delegates from funding organisations. As a prerequisite for the development of the research proposal, this SSA will (1) assess the status of climate related ecosystem research in the North Atlantic basin and associated shelf seas, (2) identify gaps in systematic observations and process understanding of atmospheric and oceanic parameters, (3) identify the potential for consolidation of long-term observations from EU and international databases for modelling and prediction. The BASIN research program will focus on: Resolving the natural variability, potential impacts and feedbacks of global change on the structure, function and dynamics of ecosystems; Improving the understanding of marine ecosystem functioning; Developing ecosystem based management strategies. Hence, BASIN will contribute significantly to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) 10-Year Implementation Plan via the development of comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained observations of the Earth System, improved monitoring of the state of the Earth, increased understanding of Earth processes, and enhanced prediction.

TACIS Central Asia 2005 Action Programme - Track I - Regional Projects: Support to the Establishment of the Pamir-Alai Transboundary Conservancy Area (PATCA) between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

The PATCA Project will help Kyrgyzstan (KG) and Tajikistan (TJ) to meet the requirements of a number of ratified international conventions, most importantly the Biodiversity Convention as well as the respective Biodiversity Action Plans of KG and TJ and the national Environment Action Plans of KG and TJ through the establishment of the PATCA. Overall Objective: The primary goals of PATCA are not only the preservation of the biodiversity of the region but also the improvement of the livelihood of the local population whilst at the same time protecting and safeguarding the traditions and unique historical-cultural heritage developed over centuries of survival in this harsh environment. Purpose: To assist the Governments of KG & TJ in establishment and management of PATCA through: - Technical Assistance (TA) to: national park system in KG (State Agency on Environment Protection & Forestry) & TJ (State Committee for Environment & Forestry); and, Tajik (Pamir) National Park (TJ) & Alai National Park (KG) - Production of PATCA Management Plan (MP). Project Expected Outputs: - the legal establishment and practical operation of PATCA (within PNP and ANP) including development and official approval of PATCA interstate cooperation agreement between KG and TJ - PATCA management plan development, approval and commencement of implementation - Identification of necessary equipment and training in use of an appropriate equipment. Target Groups: The project is expected to result in a wide variety of beneficiaries, especially when taking into account the long-term implications for sustainable development of communities in the PATCA area. In more direct terms the main beneficiaries of the project are as follows: - The State Agency on Environment Protection and Forestry under Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the State Committee of Environment Conservation and Forestry of Tajikistan through establishment of the PATCA and in more broad terms, support with development, equipment and establishment of the PATCA management plan; - Local Governments - Villages and local population in the two countries - Tour operators - Environmental NGOs - Teachers, educational establishments and major stakeholder groups - Scientists through research possibilities in a poor researched area and training of new methods, establishment of data base - The public at large through increased awareness on and improved protection and safeguarding of the regions biological heritage. The end-beneficiaries of this project will be the population in and around the PATCA, and all concerned with biodiversity conservation in this and the surrounding area. Prime Contractor: AGRECO G.E.I.E., Bruxelles, BE.

Trees, Resilience and Livelihood Recovery in the Tsunami-affected Coastal Zone of Aceh and North Sumatra (Indonesia)

Post-Tsunami call for coastal protection forest has been quick and loud, as presence of trees could certainly have reduced loss of human lives. Coastal zone management has to provide environmental protection and meet economic targets of livelihood options based on sea plus land-based activities. Tree crops and trees preferred by farmers contribute to both. Pre-Tsunami 40-60 percent of the economy of West Aceh and Nias depended on tree crops. Our aim is to help rebuild a green infrastructure that enhances the resilience of the coastal population in the face of multiple stresses. We start with assessing damage to trees, changes in land suitability and impacts on the production-marketing chain and will follow up with activities supporting short term recovery (using existing trees) and preparing for the opportunities of rehabilitated infrastructure. Lessons learnt on resilience will be shared as international public goods.

Environmentally Compatible Air Transport Systems (ECATS- Network of Excellence)

The Network of Excellence, ECATS, will be a durable and long lasting means of cooperation and communication within Europe, made up of a number of leading Research Establishments and Universities who have expertise in the field of aeronautics and the environment. ECATS's vision is to contribute to the environmental goals of the Vision 2020 for Aeronautics and the Strategic Research Agenda. The overall goals of ECATS are to create a European Virtual Institute for research of environmental compatible air transport; to develop and maintain durable means for cooperation and communication within Europe and to strengthen Europe's excellence and its role of the influence in the international community. The Joint Research Programme will take into account engine technology, alternative fuels, aviations impact on air quality, operational aspects of aviation, and the development of scenarios. Lasting integration will be achieved by joint management and working structures, joint-decision making processes and will be supported through specific integration activities as a common web-based information and communication system, common education, training and exchange programmes, coordinated use of facilities and equipment, dissemination and joint management of innovation. The excellence and commitment of the ECATS partners, many of whom are already linked through their participation in AERONET, will guarantee an effective and durable integration. Support by community funding will be applied for a period of 5 years. FZK is concentrating on activities in the area of airport air quality.

Wärme- und Kältespeicherung im Gründungsbereich energieeffizienter Bürogebäude

Die Reduzierung von Bewirtschaftungskosten sowie die Steigerung von Energieeffizienz und Nutzerkomfort sind selbstverständliche Ziele im Planungsprozess von Bürogebäuden. Aus diesem Grundsatz heraus werden seit Mitte der neunziger Jahre in Deutschland immer mehr Bürogebäude mit Energiepfahl-, Erdwärmesonden- oder Fundamentabsorber-Anlagen zur Wärme- und Kälteversorgung realisiert. An das Erdreich gekoppelte Wärmepumpen entziehen dem Untergrund im Winter Wärme und stellen diese dem Gebäude zu Heizzwecken zur Verfügung. Das Erdreich kühlt sich ab und kann während des Sommerhalbjahres als Wärmesenke für die Gebäudekühlung genutzt werden. Die Entwicklung der Systemkonzepte erfolgt jeweils angepasst an die geologischen Verhältnisse, die Baukonstruktion sowie den Wärme- und Kältebedarf des Gebäudes. Bis heute kommt in der Planung hochkomplexe Simulationssoftware zum Einsatz. Einfache Planungsbausteine stehen für eine breite Nutzung derzeit nicht zur Verfügung. Hierzu fehlen systematische Untersuchungen von ausgeführten Anlagen. Das vom BMWi geförderte Forschungs- und Entwicklungsprojekt WKSP - Wärme- und Kältespeicherung im Gründungsbereich energieeffizienter Bürogebäude versucht diese Lücke mit Hilfe eines großen Feldversuchs zu schließen. Erste Ergebnisse der wissenschaftlichen Analyse des Betriebsverhaltens und der Energieeffizienz sowie Erkenntnisse und Erfahrungen von Planern, Bauherren und Betreibern zeigen, dass die generelle Funktionsfähigkeit dieser Anlagen gegeben ist. Geringe Erfahrungen bei Planung, Ausführung und Betrieb führen in der Praxis jedoch häufig zu Problemen. Entscheidend für den erfolgreichen Betrieb ist in der Regel nicht die Anlage zur Wärme- und Kältespeicherung an sich, sondern die sinnvolle technische und betriebliche Einbindung der Anlage in das komplexe Gesamtsystem aus Untergrund, technischen Anlagen, Gebäude und Nutzer. Entsprechend der Temperaturen im Erdreich bietet sich die Kombination mit Flächensysteme als Niedertemperaturheiz- und Hochtemperaturkühlsysteme an. Betriebsfehler haben bei Erdwärmesystemen aufgrund der im Vergleich zu konventionellen Systemen recht kleinen Temperaturspanne der Erdwärmeanlagen und der thermischen Systemträgheit häufig erhebliche und langfristige Folgen. Grundvoraussetzung für eine ausgeglichene saisonale Energiebilanz im Erdreich und somit einen dauerhaften Betrieb der Anlagen ist eine messtechnische Dokumentation der tatsächlichen Funktion von Gebäude und Anlagen zur Wärme- und Kältespeicherung im Gründungsbereich. Nur so können Abweichungen zu Planungsannahmen sowie Fehler Schritt für Schritt aufgedeckt, der Betrieb optimiert und die Einregulierungsphase verkürzt werden. Ziel ist es, die Erfahrungen des Projekts WKSP für zukünftige Projekte zu bündeln, Planungswerkzeuge zu optimieren sowie Betriebsregeln zu entwickeln. Das Projekt ist Teil des Annex 20 Projektes der International Energy Agency (IEA).

FP6-SUSTDEV, Developing the EU Biodiversity Research Strategy (BIOSTRAT)

Main The main objective of BIOSTRAT is to support the further development of a European Biodiversity Research Strategy. Such Research Strategy brings together ideas on research priorities in fundamental and applied sciences to address critical gaps in knowledge on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. This Strategy is intended to support the decision-making process regarding biodiversity-related research at both the European scale and in individual EU Member States by linking existing structures. Rather than developing new structures BIOSTRAT will provide specific support to EPBRS (European Platform for Biodiversity Research Strategy), which provides a representative forum for researchers, science and environmental policy makers, and National Biodiversity Platforms. At the same time BIOSTRAT will ensure that other European and international efforts to develop research strategies in different fields of biodiversity research are linked to the development of a European Research Strategy through the EPBRS forum. BIOSTRAT will, therefore, support other international initiatives to link their efforts to the European Biodiversity Research Strategy. The overall objective will be achieved by: - Supporting the European Platform for Biodiversity Research Strategy (EPBRS) to develop and continually revise the EU Biodiversity Research Strategy - Including the results of existing and ongoing biodiversity research projects in the development of the EU Biodiversity Research Strategy. - Linking the EU Biodiversity Research Strategy to the national, European and international funding programmes, especially the ERA-Nets related to biodiversity issues - Incorporating GEOSS objectives in the EU Biodiversity Research Strategy - Linking EU Biodiversity Research Strategy with international initiatives including the multi-stakeholder consultative process of the Paris Conference, the Millennium Ecosystem assessment, the 2010 target, ESRI, GTI, GBIF, CBD, DIVERSITAS.

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