Thursday, December 20, 2012

Call for Papers - ECPR-Panel on Fragmentation and Integration in Global Climate Governance; Bordeaux, 4-7 Sept 2013

7th ECPR General Conference
Sciences Po, Bordeaux
4th - 7th September 2013

Panel: Fragmentation and Integration in Global Climate Governance

 

Panel Chair:

Fariborz Zelli, Lund University

 

Panel Co-Chair:

Sylvia Karlsson-Vinkhuyzen, Wageningen University and Research Center

 

Abstract:

The term fragmentation implies that policy domains are marked by a patchwork of institutions that differ in their character, constituencies, spatial scope, subject matter and objectives. Scholars have addressed this emerging phenomenon, framing it also with alternative concepts like ‘regime complex’ or ‘polycentric governance’.

While the degree of fragmentation varies across issue areas, global climate governance is a particular case in point. Its architecture is characterided by an advanced state of institutional fragmentation, including not only the UN climate regime, but also, for instance, green energy and low-carbon technology partnerships, other environmental institutions like the biodiversity regime, and non-environmental institutions like the World Trade Organization and the G20. Moreover, transnational and public-private institutions, e.g. on carbon disclosure and voluntary markets, have significantly added to this institutional diversity over the last ten years.


This development notwithstanding, we also witness aspects of an opposite ambition towards more integration, seeking to safeguard the prevalence of the global climate regime. This concerns inter alia the concentration on an established set of bodies to provide greenhouse gas inventories, or the recurring resistance to letting institutions outside the UNFCCC develop norms, or even discuss norms, on climate change.


In light of these different trends, many of the existing studies focus on the question whether a centralised or a polycentric climate architecture is preferable. However, the panel wants to go beyond such normative or functionalist debates, seeking to address some of the more pertinent analytical questions. We therefore invite papers that provide innovative conceptual and theory-based insights into the following aspects: What are appropriate ways to map or characterise the institutional complexity of global climate governance? What are potential causes of fragmentation and integration? Which consequences does fragmentation have, e.g. for aspects like legitimacy and institutional effectiveness? What are its consequences for different types of actors? And what are suitable and realistic management options to achieve more integration?

 

Paper proposals  are highly welcome and can now be submitted (deadline of 1 February) through the ECPR website: http://new.ecprnet.eu/Events/PanelList.aspx?EventID=5&SectionID=75

 

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Call for your contribution : Assessment of the climate change adaptation needs in the Hindu Kush Himalaya Region


Dear Colleagues,

Please find below a call for contribution to an online (and offline) survey on ‘climate change adaptation needs in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Region’ organised in support of the Mountain Thematic Node of the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN). If you have any questions or suggestions, pls write to Mr. Ngamindra Dahal, Lead Researcher at ngamindra@gmail.com.

Your response to this survey by 15 December 2012 would be very much appreciated. To make your contributions  pls copy the survey portion below in your email or Word file, answer them as needed and send the completed from to Mr. Dahal.

Best,
Tek

Online survey on climate change adaptation needs in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Region

Questionnaires for online survey

 About the Survey

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) is among the highly vulnerable region to climate change impacts. The HKH ecosystems support the livelihoods of more people than any other coherent ecosystem in the world. The NAPA reports of HKH countries depict a dismal situation of majority of the populations who are highly vulnerable to climate change induced maladies requiring urgent and immediate needs of adaptation actions. Prioritising adaptation needs is critically important when climate change impacts encompass across themes and regions threatening livelihoods sources of large mass of populations.

The key objective of this survey is to contribute in identifying most vulnerable sectors, regions or communities to climate change, and, then, assessing their urgent adaptation needs. Your precious 20 minutes time to fill up this survey form would immensely help us to draw some key insights and recommendations for future investments of climate funds.  

To respond, simply click the 'Reply all' and write your responses against each questions below.


Section 1:   Informant background
1.1.   Name: First and last (not mandatory but encouraged)
1.2.   Country:
1.3.   State/City/District
1.5.   E-mail ID: .... (if you like to be contacted in future or want to know the survey results)
1.6.   Contact no: .... (if you like to be contacted in future or want to know the survey results)
1.7.   What do you represent? 1. Community, 2. Government, 3. Development Organisation,  4. Research/Education Organisations; 5. Other (please specify)            

Sections 2: Climate Change Impacts/perceptions:
2.1.   Do you agree that people living in the mountain regions or their periphery are among the most vulnerable one to climate change impacts? (Please Delete which is not applicable)
1. Agree       2. Can't say        3. Disagree  

2.2. Do you agree that specific needs of climate change adaptation of mountain people have not been well identified (articulated) and addressed? (Please Delete which is not applicable)
Agree 1.       Can't say 2.       Disagree 3.
2.3. From the perspective of currently known climate change risks, what would be the situation of mountain people in the mountain region after 10 or 15 years from now?
(Please Delete which is not applicable)
1. Better    2. Same    3.Worse
2.4 . Most of climate change scenarios project the mountains among the most affected regions due to rapid warming and changes in precipitation patterns in the future. Do you agree? (Please Delete which is not applicable)
1. Agree          2. Can't say                 3. Disagree
2.5. What is the level of satisfaction among the community you represent of current progress on addressing climate risks? (Please Delete which is not applicable)
1. Fully Satisfied          2. Satisfied to some extent                 3. Not satisfied at all 
Section 3:   Adaptation Needs

3.1.   Based on your experiences/observations, please mention up to 3 examples of climate change adaptation needs, gaps or issues concerning to mountain people that require urgent attentions.
 1......
2......
3......
3.2.   To tackle climate risks and build resilience, what should be the roles (maximum 3) of regional organizations (e.g. SAARC, ICIMOD), local institutions and national governmental organisations to improve the situation?
1 Roles of regional organizations
i)                    .........      
ii)                  .........
iii)                .........
2 Roles of local institutions 
i) .....      
ii).........
iiii).......
3. Roles of national government organizations
i) .....      
ii) ........
iiii) .......
3.3.  What should be the strategic actions or approaches to identify and address specific needs of mountain communities?
1......
2......
3......
Section 4: Knowledge sharing and good practices

4.1   In your knowledge, are there any examples of good practices of climate change adaptations that could be replicated in the mountain region?
(Please name them below with references or links where possible).
1........
2........
3.......

4.2   What is the appropriate way for promoting South-South knowledge sharing and cooperation on climate cooperation?

1.      Promote sharing of knowledge, good practices, collaborative actions etc.
2.      Recognize roles of regional organizations for promoting research and disseminate knowledge to wider stakeholders
3.      Mobilize NGOs, civil society organizations
4.      Other (Please specify)....

4.3  What roles of regional platforms, like SAARC and ICIMOD, should play to address climate and environment management challenges?
(Example – Environmental policies, scientific research, knowledge productions, knowledge disseminations etc.)
1.      The major roles could be .........
2        I have no knowledge on this.

4.4   What are the possible action points for addressing specific knowledge gaps, enhancing research and cooperation; and, promoting good practices?

1.      The possible action points could be .........
2.      I have no knowledge on this.

Section 5: Converting knowledge into action

5.1 What are the major constraints of local communities to assimilate new knowledge into climate change adaptation practices?

1.      The major constraints include
2.      I  have no comment on this.

5.2 What are the possible ways to enhance communication and cooperation between local communities and research institutions for mutual benefits?

1.      The possible ways are .........
2.      No. I have no comment on this.

5.3             Among mountain people, what could be the best investments to climate vulnerable communities or regions to enhance their adaptive capacity mountain people?
1.      The possible investments schemes include .........
2.      No. I have no comments this.

5.4              Which types of institutions and approaches could facilitate knowledge transfer processes more effectively?
 
1.      Academic institutions (Universities)
2.      Regional Environment, Policy and Research Organizations (e.g. ICIMOD)
3.      Collaborative approaches of research and academic institutions in partnership with media.
4.      Others (please mention)

Section 6: Responding to international climate policy negotiations 
6.1 What roles can mountain concern institutions play to lead agendas in the international climate policy negotiations?
1.      Yes. They can/should .........
2.      I have no information/comment on this.

6.2       What type of group do you think would be the appropriate platform for raising mountain agendas (considering examples of the LDC Group, G 77 plus China)

1.      There is a need of separate mountain group to advocate mountain agendas of developing countries
2.      Mountain agendas should be mainstreamed into the agendas of existing groups
3.      Efforts are needed to push mountain agendas by both of 1 and 2 approaches.

Thank you for your cooperation

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Invitation: Global Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Green Solution: From Rio de Janeiro to Doha, 1 December 2012 at UNFCCC COP18 (Venue: Climate Change Studio, Qatar National Convention Centre)

Global Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Green Solution:

From Rio de Janeiro to Doha

Date: 1 December 2012 at UNFCCC COP18
Venue: Climate Change Studio, Qatar National Convention Centre. Doha
Further information: Ms. Sameera Zaib, sameerazaib.env@gmail.com

Background
COP18 has a special importance since it needs to finalize the old negotiation tracks, and make new commitments towards Post 2015. It is imperative to involve youth in this process, and consider their voices and issues. Rio+20 reaffirmed that we need a more sustainable development path. To achieve this we need to change how we think and act, develop and implement capacity building programs, and hence engage youth in these programs in order to secure green jobs and a green economy.

Inspired from International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD’s) youth programme - Youth for Sustainable Mountain Development (Y4SMD), the Asia Pacific Youth Task force on Rio+20 (APYTF) was formed in April 2011 to advocate mountain agenda in the context of Rio+20 and mobilize youth in preparation lf Rio+20 and implementation of its outcomes. Since then APYTF has organized several events locally and regionally and has taken part in several important events including the Rio+20 Conference – locally, regionally and globally. In this preparation APYTF co-organized ‘Global youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Sustainable Actions’ at Rio+2o Conference in Brazil in June 2012, ‘National Youth Forum on Green Solutions in Pakistan’ in Islamabad in November 2012 and ‘Workshop on Green Economy in South Asia’ at South Asian Youth Conference (SAYC) in November 2012. To take forward messages of major past events and youth in Asia Pacific region and also to engage them in UNFCCC COP process, we like to join hands with global youth by organising ’Global Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Green Solutions’ at UNFCCC COP18 on 1 December 2012 in Doha.

Objectives:
              - To provide an opportunity for global youth to discuss global issues and their concerns regarding COP18. 
                 - To identify the Mountain Youth issues and priorities for Green Economy.
                 - To develop and share Global Youth Appeal for COP18 delegates.

Duration: 60 min

Venue: Climate Change Studio, Qatar National Convention Centre. Doha.

Day 1 (1th December, 2012)

Time
Key Topics
Address
9:00-9:08
Opening-
           - Overview of Global Youth Forum
           - Asia Pacific Youth Task Force on Rio+20
           - Sharing of Youth Appeal COP18 (from Pakistan)

Ms Sameera Zaib
APYTF
9:08-9:15
YUNGO activities and UNFCCC
YUNGO representatives (TBC)
9:15-9:20
Youth in Post 2015 agenda.
Nitiokum Divine- Youth Digital Advocate Post 2015 agenda
9:15-9:20
Asia Pacific Graduate Youth Forum Declaration
Team Green Economy/ APGYF alumni.
9:20-9:25
COP 18.
Wilson- founder, Eco Singapore. Asia
9:30-9:35
PIDES
Danaé Espinoza.
Latin America
9:35-9:40
African youth and UNFCCC
Hamba Richard. Worldview Mission. Africa (TBC)
9:40-9:45
UK YCC
Camilla Born/ Jamie Peters. Europe.
9:45-50
Presentation of COP18 Youth Appeal
Green Economy team.
9:50-10:00
Closing remarks
Sameera Zaib. APYTF


Monday, November 26, 2012

National Youth Forum on Green Solutions in Bangladesh, 11, 18-19 December 2012


National Youth Forum on Green Solutions in Bangladesh, 11, 18-19 December 2012

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) values the potential role that young people can play in promoting sustainable mountain development in the greater Himalaya region. Through the Youth Engagement in Sustainable Mountain Development (Y4SMD) initiative, ICIMOD has been informing and empowering youth from the Asia Pacific region and building their capacity to bring about positive changes in society. The Y4SMD network is made up of over 4,000 youth from the region and beyond, with a majority from ICIMOD’s eight regional member countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. To date, the Y4SMD initiative has implemented over 50 major youth events, including a Global Youth Forum at the Rio+20 Summit in Brazil in June 2012.

The National Youth Forum on Green Solutions in Bangladesh, organized by ICIMOD, our Youth Forum Alumni in Bangladesh and Green Hill, aims: 

·         To take ICIMOD’s youth initiative at national and local level and promote youth actions.
·         To promote SMD relevant education and discussions in Bangladesh among youth living in mountainous areas.
·         To share widely SMD relevant outcome of the Rio+20 Conference, UNFCCC COP18 and APGYF 2012
·         To enhance youth capacity to understand mountain issues and develop green solutions.
·         To initiative a process of developing a mountain conscious youth network in Bangladesh.

Programme highlights:
  • Technical and training sessions 
  • Paper presentations and discussions on the role of youth in the emerging green economy in the Hilly Regions of Bangladesh.
  • Tour of sites that exhibit climate-friendly practices.
  • Poster presentation highlighting ‘International Mountain Day 2012’.

Expected outcomes:
·         Improved understanding of local youth about mountainous issues like geo-environmental hazards, climate change and sustainable agriculture etc.
·         Establishment of mountain development dedicated youth’s network in Bangladesh.
·         Success replication of ICIMOD’s Youth Forum at national level.
·         Create a focal point in Bangladesh for national, regional and international collaboration and cooperation on sustainable hill management among youth.


Call for application:
Bangladeshi youth who are interested in participating in the forum and meet the eligibility criteria outlined below are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience.  

  • Applicants must be: 
    • Bangladeshi nationals 
    • 18–29 years of age 
  • From or currently residing in any districts of the country, but youths from Hilly Regions will get preference.
  • Applications must be submitted through the online system HERE no later than 02 December 2012.
  • Applicants will be selected by a small committee of experts. Selected applicants will be notified by 5 December 2012.   
  • The organizers will cover expenses related to participation in the National Youth Forum (roundtrip travel, food, and lodging).

For further information, please write to Marufa Ishaque at marufa_ishaque@yahoo.com.

Keep track of ICIMOD youth events and announcements:

Subscribe to the Mountain Forum/Asia Pacific Mountain Network at www.mtnforum.org/en/users.

Please kindly circulate this announcement in your networks.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

National Youth Forum on Green Solutions in Nepal, 6-8 December 2012

Call for application: Nepal National Youth Forum on Green Solutions 2012 - SEN-Y4C and APMN/ICIMOD Initiative for youths in Nepal

Safe Environment Nepal-‘Youth for Conservation’ (SEN-Y4C) with support from APMN/ICIMOD under its youth for sustainable development (Y4SMD) programme is conducting the Nepal National Youth Forum on Green Solution from 6- 8 December 2012 in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Youth can make a difference provided they realise their importance to their society, nation and the globe as a whole. The major hindrance to today’s youth is unemployment due to lack of opportunity and awareness. Opportunity can be created utilising available resources and, SEN-Y4C- is committed towards  raising awareness among youth  about the environmental aspect of humans, making wise use of available natural resources, identifying gaps and  bridging them through trainings and capacity building to achieve the sustainable development goal.

To bring forward this important component and more importantly to promote green solutions for youths, SEN-Y4C announces the call for application from all interested youths (aged 15-29) from all over Nepal.

To make an application, send your request to safenvnep@gmail.com with copied to fren.gp@gmail.com by 15 November 2012.


Important dates of the Event

Deadline for Application: 15 November 2012
Announcement of Selected candidates: 20 November 2012
Poster submission deadline: 30 November 2012
Notification to finalist participants: 2 December 2012

Please help us circulate this event notice through your network to all eligible youths in your surroundings.


-------------------------
Best regards,
SEN-Y4C team

Sunday, November 4, 2012

National Youth Forum on Green Solutions in India, 9-11 December 2012

Call for Application for National Youth Forum on Green Solutions in India, 9 - 11 December 2012
Rishikesh, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

The National Youth Forum on Green Solutions, organized by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the Young Uttarakhand Voluntary Action (YUVA) Foundation, aims to:

  • Provide a forum for youth from the 11 mountain states of India to share and discuss the role they can play in addressing climate change challenges and opportunities in the Indian Himalayas
  • Help build the capacity of the next generation of youth leadership in areas such as advocacy, social networking, and youth-led initiatives focused on the mountain agenda, green economy, and the promotion of green solutions; and
  • Help youth interested in mountain issues make existing networks more diverse, vibrant and suitable in the post-Rio+20 context.

Programme highlights:
  • Technical and training sessions
  • Paper presentations and discussions on the role of youth in the emerging green economy in the Indian Himalayas
  • Tour of sites that exhibit climate-friendly good practices, including famous Hindu pilgrimage sites

Expected outcomes:
  • Youth declaration on the occasion of the International Mountain Day (11 December)
  • Three-year roadmap for youth-led initiatives focused on the Indian Himalayas

Call for application:
Indian youth who are interested in participating in the forum and meet the eligibility criteria outlined below are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience. 
  • Applicants must be:
o Indian nationals
o 19–25 years of age
o  From or currently residing in any of the 11 mountain states of India: Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Mizoram.
  • Applications must be submitted through the online system (preferred) or by emailing the attached application to info@yuva-foundation.com no later than 20th November 2012.
  • Applicants will be selected by a small committee of experts to represent their own mountain state at the National Youth Forum. Selected applicants will be notified between 25–30 November.  
  • The organizers will cover expenses related to participation in the National Youth Forum (roundtrip travel, food, and lodging).

For further information, please write to info@yuva-foundation.com.


Regards,
YUVA Foundation
Mobile: +91-9871929440
_______________________________
Young Uttarakhand Voluntary Action

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Applications Open for 2013 Cohort of Kinship Conservation Fellows

Applications Open for 2013 Cohort of Kinship Conservation Fellows

Program to run June 29 – July 26; applications close January 26, 2013.

CHICAGO, IL, November 1, 2012 --WORLD-WIRE/-- Kinship Foundation has opened applications for its 2013 cohort of Kinship Conservation Fellows. Eighteen applicants will be selected as Fellows, awarded a $6,000 stipend and lodging for the month-long program, and gain membership into a global community of inspired leaders.

Kinship Conservation Fellows is an innovative environmental leadership program that offers intensive, in-residence instruction in the best practices for implementing conservation projects using market-based mechanisms.  During their month at Kinship, Fellows look beyond their technical and scientific capacities to understand the economic and business contexts influencing conservation worldwide.

"Kinship Conservation Fellows supports mid-career practitioners seeking to effectively implement market-based mechanisms for conservation by honing their skills in leadership, communication, economics, and business and finance," says Kinship Foundation Vice President, Renee Michaels.  To date, 174 Fellows in 46 countries and six continents have been selected as Kinship Fellows.  

Grounding theoretical economic, finance, and business concepts in practical and applied examples, Kinship's curriculum features a case study approach to using market-based tools to achieve positive impact. Combined with its customized leadership component, Kinship prepares Fellows to successfully implement innovative strategies in the field.

Once home, Kinship's active learning community continues to support Fellows through a growing network of regional chapters and affinity groups and provides access to new opportunities for engaging in collaboration and sharing thought leadership.  

The 2013 Kinship Conservation Fellows program will take place on the campus of Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington from June 29 through July 26, 2013.  Mid-career conservation practitioners with at least five years of field experience, a bachelor's degree, and a demonstrated desire to innovate are encouraged to apply for consideration as a Kinship Fellow. 

To learn more and access the online application form, please visit www.KinshipFellows.org. The application deadline is January 26, 2013.

ABOUT KINSHIP

Established in 2001, Kinship's mission is to develop a community of leaders dedicated to collaborative approaches to environmental issues with an emphasis on market-based principles.

 

For more information about Kinship Conservation Fellows, please contact Catherine Rabenstine at (312) 803-6200, catherine.rabenstine@kinshipfoundation.org, or visit www.KinshipFellows.org.