ClimateHimalaya International

Established on 5 June 2007, the ClimateHimalaya International is a network of environmental change professionals in the Himalayan region. Operating as an independent, informal and informative (3Is) not for profit organisation it aims to increase public awareness on various issues pertaining to global change at global level and its impacts in the Himalayan and downstream countries and efforts made at local, national and regional level to tackle the climate chaos and associated environmental changes, particular in the region and at the global scale in general.

It is a unique institution that provides individuals and groups from across the world with the opportunity to share and learn on numerous levels about subjects relating to environmental and social sustainability thus making this platform a rich repository. Moreover, it brings together a partnership of individuals, and institutions with a commitment for development action thus ensuring the synergies to secure a better future for the people and environment.

More at http://climatehimalaya.org.np/

Climate Himalaya Initiative - India

The Climate Himalaya Initiative is a coalition of people and organizations that envisions an adaptive community in Himalayas. The initiative advocates for a reform in the present environment governance system by developing; an interactive platform, scientific and practitioners’ database, a vibrant leadership network, capacities of people and organizations, and observing various climate change adaptation processes in Himalayan Mountains. The initiative was officially launched in June 2010 in India.

More at: http://climatehimalaya.net/

Himalayan Climate Initiative

Himalayan Climate Initiative is an effort of a group of progressive Nepalis to kick-start low carbon development in Nepal, and help Nepali society internalize and act on its climate adaptation needs in a way that is socially and economically beneficial.

More at: http://himalayanclimate.org/

Call for submission of interest for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN) Sub regional node/thematic node

Call for submission of interest for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN) Sub regional node/thematic node

The Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN) is a key regional initiative to help vulnerable countries in Asia and the Pacific enhance their adaptive capacity to respond to the increasing impacts of climate change, by mobilizing knowledge and technology.

APAN is now calling for submission of interest for its Sub regional nodes and thematic nodes.

Sub regional nodes will lead the implementation of the sub-regional activities of APAN in collaboration with the Regional Hub, national governments and other institutes.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 16 May 2011

- For details, please see the attached file.

(It is also available on IGES website. http://www.iges.or.jp/en/ )

Invitation for International Student Energy Summit - Scholarships Available!

Hi all,

Hope you're doing great and making change wherever you are! I'm writing to pass along the invitation to the International Student Energy Summit. I hope you'd take a look through, and do apply -- there are bursaries/scholarships available for students to cover the cost of the conference, and a few scholarships for all travel expenses as well. If you have any questions -- please follow up with Ivy (iwan@studentenergy.org) or Rosie (rosie@studentenergy.org) cc-ed here as I'm not involved with the event, but think it sounds like a great opportunity to be part of building the sustainable energy future we're striving for!

ISES 2011: It's here!

The International Student Energy Summit is a global, multi-disciplinary forum for students to discuss their role in the transition to a sustainable energy future.

ISES 2011: The Evolving Energy Ecosystem  will be hosted by the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada June 9-11, 2011. The event will inspire delegates to take a holistic view of our global energy system - how a diverse set of stakeholders involved in production, consumption, transportation, investment, government and academic institutions must collaborate to meet the global energy challenge. How are roles and responsibilities within the ecosystem shifting as we turn and face issues such as climate change and energy poverty? Students will also be inspired by real world examples being undertaken by UBC, Vancouver and the local clean tech industry. 

This year's program will feature Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, Chair of the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change and 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Winner as well as a host of CEOs, leading academic intellectuals and government leaders (click here for a full description of the program). ISES 2011 is proudly hosted by the UBC Sustainability Initiative and supported by FortisBC, BC Hydro, the British Columbia Institution of Technology and the Province of BC.

Here are three steps to becoming part of the ISES movement and securing your spot to attend ISES 2011:

1. WATCH the ISES 2011 Video -  "What could you do in three days?" on the ISES 2011 website www.studentenergy.org.

2. ENGAGE with the movement online. Like the ISES Facebook Page, follow the ISES Twitter Feed and join the ISES Mailing List to receive updates on the event (such as new speakers being announced or details on how to apply for the FortisBC Community Energy Challenge for a chance to win a $4000 cash prize!)

3. REGISTER for ISES 2011 at www.studentenergy.org/registration or APPLY  for a bursary within our Student Bursary Program atwww.studentenergy.org/student-funding. The delegate fee is $375 which includes 3 nights accommodation at UBC, lunch and dinner, full access to all plenary panels, breakout sessions and keynote addresses, two gala dinners and two evening social events. Bursaries are available for students with demonstrated financial need.

If you have any questions ISES 2011, please do not hesitate to email Ivy Wan, ISES 2011 Delegate Recruitment Director at iwan@studentenergy.org. Get ready to fuel the future of energy!

CLIMATE CHANGE: Community-based adaptation in action

CLIMATE CHANGE: Community-based adaptation in action

JOHANNESBURG, 26 April 2011 (IRIN) -  Nepal has become one of the first countries to consider scaling up community-based adaptation (CBA) to climate change and making it part of national development policy. 

Nepal is vulnerable to rising global temperatures and has already been dealing with the impact of erratic rainfall, frequent droughts and floods, which have been affecting food security. In response the country decided to experiment with a bottom-up approach using Local Adaptation Plans of Action, or LAPAs, in 10 districts across the country in 2010. 

In a joint paper on local adaptation plans, Bimal Raj Regmi, a researcher, and Gyanendra Karki, a government official, said the idea of drawing up LAPAs came out of the National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPA) process. 

They noted that Nepal, as one of the last of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to develop its NAPA, was able to incorporate elements omitted from the adaptation plans of other countries. 

These include better links to climate change planning processes and mainstreaming national adaptation goals down to the local level, so that the NAPA process moved beyond regional and national consultation to include the input of vulnerable communities in the LAPAs. 

The LAPAs are developed by people from various sectors in a village or district who identify local climate risks, vulnerability and needs, and focus on increasing resilience based on the geographical location and assessments made by the community using their knowledge of the local environment.

More at: http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportID=92585

Vision for RIO+20: System Change for Green Economy and Poverty Reduction, 6 May 2011

Vision for RIO+20: System Change for Green Economy and Poverty Reduction
(Live Webcast)

Date: Friday, 6 May 2011
Time: 1.15-2.30pm (EST)
Venue: UNU Video Portal
http://videoportal.unu.edu/

This seminar will show how changes in price structure and sustainable infrastructure can lead to poverty reduction in a green economy. The speaker argues that the transition towards a low carbon green growth can be realized without a fundamental restructuring of the price structure, by internalizing ecological prices through environmental taxes and environmental fiscal reform.  The two core features of environmental fiscal reforms, revenue neutrality and double dividend, are powerful tools for changing the price structure while stimulating economic growth.

In terms of sustainable infrastructure, the speaker makes a case for developing countries to promote sustainable infrastructure through urban planning and design, green buildings and making the switch from private transportation to public transportation modes so that they are not locked into unsustainable consumption and production patterns.

The seminar is part of the UNU Midday Forum Series, which offers an intimate and informal platform of discussion for the UN permanent missions, the UN Secretariat, UN agencies, academia, NGOs and the private sector to exchange ideas on important topics related to the UN.

Speakers: Rae Kwon Chung, Director, Environment and Development Division, UNESCAP, Bangkok, Thailand
Moderator: Jean-Marc Coicaud, Director, United Nations University Office in New
York

Global Water Footprint Standard Training Course, on 10-12 May 2011, Amsterdam

The Water Footprint Network is organising a face-to-face Global Water Footprint Standard Training Course, on 10-12 May 2011, Amsterdam.

Target group

The training course is aimed at professionals in the water and environmental sector interested to learn about the application of the water footprint concept and tools in their daily practice. The course aims at professionals from both business and government, and also consultants that advise corporations or governments. The course is mainly technical; it addresses questions regarding how to carry out a water footprint assessment using the global water footprint standard. In addition, time is spent on understanding how water footprint assessment can ultimately contribute to better water governance and more sustainable water strategies.

For more information, please visit: 

http://www.waterfootprint.org/?page=files/agenda or contact info@waterfootprint.org.

Invitation: information notice and call for contributions to the workshop on equitable access to water and sanitation, Geneva, 4-5- July 2011

With the aim to support the realization of the human right to water and sanitation, the workshop will address inequities in access to water and sanitation that are still widespread in the pan-European region:

- Geographical disparities: in many countries people living in rural or remote areas have significantly lower levels of access to safe water and improved sanitation;

- Affordability constraints: in some countries, people with low incomes often find access to water and sanitation unaffordable; this situation will be exacerbated as countries move towards full cost recovery of water and sanitation services;

- Inequities suffered by vulnerable and marginalized groups, as well as groups with specific needs (such as Roma and Travellers, ethnic minorities, disabled persons, etc.) who face additional barriers to access than those of ordinary citizens. 

It will bring together countries and other stakeholders from the European region engaged in the provision of water and sanitation services, with the aim to:

- Analyse the specific challenges and debate the political, economic and practical implications of equitable access to water and sanitation; 

- Exchange practical experience and share lessons learned on the policies and measures to be enacted to provide access to water and sanitation to vulnerable and marginalized groups, to reduce geographical disparities in access and to address affordability issues;

- Identify good practices, success factors and lessons learned; 
- Support Governments in complying with the requirements of article 5 of the Protocol on Water and Health as regards promoting equitable access to water and sanitation, as well as their obligations under international human rights law.

The workshop is part of the process for the development of a Document on “Good Practices on Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation” prepared under the Protocol on Water and Health for the Sixth World Water Forum (Marseille, March 2012). It is organized under the leadership of the Government of France and in cooperation with the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation. 

Contributions are invited by 16 May 2011 to the UNECE secretariat (nataliya.nikiforova@unece.org) on the following topics:

-Experiences with policy measures to promote access by vulnerable and marginalized groups, as well as groups with specific needs, to water and sanitation 

- Experiences with policy measures to address geographical disparities in access to water supply and sanitation

- Experiences with policy measures to address affordability concerns 

Eligible participants from countries with economies in transition may apply for financial support to facilitate their participation in the workshop. Requests for financial support should be submitted to the UNECE secretariat (evelina.rioukhina@unece.org) as soon as possible, but not later than 16 May 2011. No application will be accepted after this deadline. Due to the limited funds available, priority will be given to experts providing inputs to the workshop. 

More information on the workshop will be made available at 

http://www.unece.org/env/water/meetings/equitable_access_workshop.html

E-Learning course on 'Legal Preparedness for Climate Change'

The course will be conducted online for four weeks and would be highly beneficial for climate change, natural resources and energy, finance and environment specialists from developing countries, countries in economic transition and countries emerging from armed conflict working in the field of supervision and execution of development projects; lawyers and legal advisors who assist in the area of climate change, natural resources and energy, finance and environmental policy; Ministry and local government level climate change officers; Finance Officials from the Ministry of Finance and officials from National Authorities or UNFCCC National Contact Points.

Kindly find attached a course description for further information. Registration for the course is online using the following link:www.idlo.int/elearning  Applications to attend the course should be supported by the candidate's curriculum vitae. Please note that we have extended the payment deadline of the course fee (Euro 350.00) to 2 May, 2011. The course is self-sustaining and the fee cannot be waived.  Currently, IDLO does not have scholarships or sponsorships to offer.

Ms. Joanne Fletcher is at your disposal for any further information you may require:

Tel:(+39 06) 40403 265

Fax: (+39 06) 40403 232

E-mail: jfletcher@idlo.int

University of Eastern Finland - UNEP Course on Multilateral Environmental Agreements, 4 -16 Sept'11, AIT Bangkok

University of Eastern Finland - UNEP 

Course on Multilateral Environmental Agreements

Eighth Annual Course, 4 to 16 September 2011, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand

The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are jointly organizing a high profile two-week Course on international environmental law-making and diplomacy. The Course transfers past experience in the field of international environmental law to current and future negotiators of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). Each Course is based on a specific theme. In addition, the Course provides a forum to foster North-South co-operation and to take stock of recent developments in negotiations as well as in implementation of MEAs and diplomatic practices in the international environmental arena.

UEF began its operation in 2010 as a merger of the Universities of Joensuu and Kuopio. The UEF – UNEP Course on Multilateral Environmental Agreements was previously called the University of Joensuu – UNEP Course on International Environmental Law-making and Diplomacy.

This is the eighth year in which the Course will be held and, as in previous years, the lectures will be given by experienced hands-on diplomats, government officials, international civil servants and members of academia. The course is organized in collaboration with the UNEP Regional Office for Asia Pacific and the Asian Institute of Technology. This year, the course will include lecturers from the following institutions:

• Government of Finland
• MEA Secretariats

·         UNEP

·         University of Eastern Finland

• University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The special theme of the Eighth Course is "Synergies among Biodiversity Related Conventions". Under that theme, a broad range of subjects will be addressed.
In addition, general issues relating to international environmental law-making and diplomacy will be dealt with. The Course is based on interactive methods.

The Course is intended for experienced government officials engaged in international environmental negotiations. In addition, other stakeholders, such as representatives of non-governmental organizations and the private sector, may apply to the Course. Researchers and academics in the field of international environmental law are also eligible. As the 2011 Course's thematic focus is on biodiversity, candidates with experience in this field are encouraged to apply.

Approximately 35 participants, with an equal distribution from the North and South and taking into account gender balance will be admitted to the Course. Participants having successfully completed the Course will be awarded a Diploma.

An application form and a draft Programme can be found on the Course website from April 2011 onwards. The application deadline is 31 May  2011. Participants are expected to pay their travel and other expenses and a tuition fee of 800 euro. Candidates from developing countries and from countries with economies in transition can apply for a full or partial fellowship.

Further information

Course website:

http://www.uef.fi/unep or

http://www.unep.org/training

Contact address:

mea-course@uef.fi or delc@unep.org

University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu Campus,

Department of Law

PO. Box 111,

FIN-80101 JOENSUU, FINLAND

Call For Proposals: Research Project On Gender, Climate Change, Agriculture, And Food Security - apply by 1 May 2011

CCAFS will award women scientists enrolled in a PhD program or interested in a post doctoral opportunity, and who are citizens of and affiliated with an institution in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Bangladesh, India, or Nepal to a research grant of $35,000.

Proposals must  demonstrate and contribute to understanding the linkages between climate change and gender more specifically, while developing policy-relevant findings on climate change, agriculture, and food security more generally; and build research capacity of women scientists in partner institutions and increase their representation in agricultural research

Download the full call for proposals and the application form. 

Deadline: 1 May 2011.

More at http://ccafs.cgiar.org/content/careers-and-calls

Call for Abstracts: 25th International Congress for Conservation Biology - apply by 30 April

Call for Abstracts: 25th International Congress for Conservation Biology

Call for Oral, Speed, and Poster Presentations

SCB is currently accepting abstracts for oral, poster, and speed presentations for the 25th International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB 2011), Engaging Society in Conservation which will be held 5 – 9 December 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. 

To submit an abstract, please visit:

http://www.conbio.org/Activities/Meetings/2011/register/abstracts.cfm

Abstracts must be submitted electronically by 30 April 2011.

We hope you will join us in Auckland to celebrate the 25th International Congress for Conservation Biology!  This year’s theme -- Engaging Society in Conservation -- addresses biodiversity around the world—specifically biodiversity’s continued declines at an ever-increasing pace, while much of society carries on with business as usual. How can conservation biologists engage with the broader society to achieve positive outcomes for conservation without compromising our scientific rigor or integrity?

For additional information, please visit www.conbio.org/2011 or contact the scientific program committee at 2011@conbio.org.

--------

Tara Teel, Ph.D.

Associate Professor &

President, SCB Social Science Working Group

Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO 80523-1480 USA

(970) 491-7729

tteel@lamar.colostate.edu

Vacancy: Program Associate, International START Secretariat

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Program Associate, International START Secretariat

The International START1 Secretariat located in Washington, DC USA, invites applications for a Program Associate position. The primary responsibility of the Program Associate would be to contribute to development and implementation of START’s program of research, education and capacity building, particularly activities related to climate change vulnerability and adaptation in developing countries.

A successful candidate should possess the following:

• A Master’s degree or higher in a field relevant to START’s programs and interests

• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written

• Strong initiative and work ethic

• Ability to be a team player in a small office environment

• Creativity and innovation in project design and implementation

• Impeccable organizational skills

• Strong English language skills required

• Strong French language skills desired

The Program Associate’s responsibilities would include the following:

• Project implementation and administration

• Organization of regional seminars and workshops

• Preparation of project reports and publications

• Development of proposals, both for sustaining current activities & initiating new projects

• Occasional overseas travel

Interested candidates should prepare a statement of interest that addresses personal strengths / experience in:

• Development of project concepts, proposals and activities

• Outreach and communications, including development and dissemination of written communication products

• Preparation and delivery of verbal communication products / packages

• Networking with relevant individuals and institutions

Applications must include the statement of interest as well as a CV, significant writing samples and contacts of at least three professional references. Please send applications to Clark Seipt at

cseipt@start.org.

1 START: the global change SysTem for Analysis, Research and Training; www.start.org

132 PhD Scholarships at Politecnico di Milano, Italy

132 PhD Scholarships at Politecnico di Milano, Italy

The Politecnico di Milano has published the admission selection call for the 27th cycle of Ph.D. programmes.

In this call, the number of positions, the number of available scholarships, and the number of scholarships for foreign nationals is specified for each Ph.D. Additional positions and scholarships may become available before the completion of assessment, subject to the same deadlines for the candidates’ application to the admission selection, and the submission of the requested documentation described by article 3 below.

Further information:

http://www.ricerca.polimi.it/index.php?id=4731

Call:
http://www.ricerca.polimi.it/fileadmin/files/dottorato/concorso27/Bando27ciclo_Eng.pdf

Online Application:

http://www.phd-admission.polimi.it

DEADLINE: 25th May 2011

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation Fellowship (SPF) 2011

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation Fellowship (SPF) 2011

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation Fellowship (SPF) is a new program at the Pacific Forum that focuses on US-Japan relations and includes both resident and nonresident fellows. We are currently seeking applicants from Japan and the US for the summer 2011 resident program. Interested young professionals who have an MA, PhD, or equivalent work experience are encouraged to apply. Participants should anticipate attending 2-4 conferences in the Asia-Pacific region as Pacific Forum Young Leaders in the coming year.

In choosing SPF fellows, we give special consideration to those with a background in US-Japan relations, especially individuals from a variety of backgrounds, to expand the community of specialists thinking about and working on Japan-US relations, to broaden discussions, show how different issues and problems are interrelated, and draw on diverse perspectives and approaches to thinking about significant issues. The program will emphasize problem solving rather than mere analysis and assessment. If you’re interested in applying please go to http://csis.org/program/spf-fellowship and follow the application procedures.

Please go to the website http://csis.org/program/pacific-forum-csis to find out more information about the Pacific Forum CSIS and the SPF fellowship opportunity.

Forest Carbon Asia Launch Announcement

This should be of interest to many of you. Sorry for cross posting. Best, Tek

--------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <u.chokkalingam@gmail.com>
Date: 2011/4/21

Dear colleagues

We are pleased to announce the launching of Forest Carbon Asia (www.forestcarbonasia.org), an independent website dedicated to providing up-to-date and objective information and analysis on forest carbon policies, players and developments from and for the Asian region.

The website aims to serve as an information and resource hub for forest carbon/REDD+ in Asia− providing current news and views from the media, a categorized library of relevant publications, vacancy and event announcements, directories of forest carbon players and links to other useful resources for convenient reference and networking. It also provides regularly-updated synopses of the science, current global policy and financing developments, projects on the ground and quality standards.

If you or your organisation wish to be listed as a forest carbon/REDD+ player (http://www.forestcarbonasia.org/players/) in Asia, please feel free to submit your details for posting. Details requested vary slightly depending on the category you belong to (example: project developer, verifier, bilateral support agency). If you wish to add a new forest carbon/REDD+ project or pilot site (http://www.forestcarbonasia.org/fc-updates/projects-on-the-ground/) in Asia, kindly fill out the form on the projects page.

Other main features of the Forest Carbon Asia website are country profiles, in–house articles, and research briefs and reports which will provide country overviews, delve into the key issues and cover important developments in the region. Readers can interact online and contribute their own information and material for posting. The website seeks to promote open and free information sharing among forest carbon players across and beyond the Asian region.

Forest Carbon Asia’s mission is to raise awareness and understanding about forest carbon-related issues, and promote sustainable forest carbon/REDD+ activities and investments in Asia that are also good for the environment and the local communities. Through this platform, we hope to engender a healthy and critical debate and move talks and action forward in a positive manner.
We hope that you find the site useful and would be very happy to receive your feedback.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Unna Chokkalingam & S. Anuradha Vanniarachchy
Forest Carbon Asia
Mobile Lao PDR: +856 20 55504866
Mobile Sri Lanka : +94 772 226405
Email: unna.c@forestcarbonasia.org
Email: anuradha.v@forestcarbonasia.org
Website: www.forestcarbonasia.org

Netherlands Fellowships Programme (NFP) 2011-2012

Netherlands Fellowships Programme (NFP) 2011-2012

The Netherlands’ Government has offered fellowship programme for the year 2011-12 under the technical assistance programme.

Study Programme: PhD, Master, Short Courses (SC)

Eligibility Criteria:

The Eligibility Criteria is different in each course / degree programme. Applicants are required to meet both criterions mentioned here as well as at University’s / NFP website:

Ø The candidate should be mid career and not above 50 years ad neither below 27 years of age.

Ø Candidates are eligible for a fellowship only if they have been admitted to the Course of their choice and meet all the criteria. Being admitted to more than one course does not mean that the candidate can apply for more than one fellowship. Candidates will have to select one course before applying for a fellowship.

Ø A letter of admission should be in the candidate’s possession well before the embassy’s deadline for submission of fellowship application. Therefore candidates are strongly advised to start the admission procedure as early as possible.

Ø A candidate must not have received an NFP fellowship or any other fellowship in the three years prior to the start of the proposed programme (MA, SC or PhD).

Ø The candidate is meeting the English Language proficiency requirement such as provision of IELTS or TOEFL score as mentioned in the NFP website.

For further information, please visit 

http://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/HRD/ForeignDonorFundedPrograms/Pages/NetherlandsFellowshipProgrammes%28NFP%29forShortCourses,MastersandPhDstudies.aspx