Call for Papers: Third Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Workshop in Sustainable Development Columbia University. Extended deadline Feb 15, 2013

April 12th-13th, 2013: Columbia University in the City of New York, USA

 

The graduate students in sustainable development at Columbia University are convening the Third Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Workshop in Sustainable Development (IPWSD); scheduled for April 12th-13th, 2013, at Columbia University in New York City.

 

The IPWSD is a conference open to graduate students working on or interested in issues related to sustainable development.  It is intended to provide a forum to present and discuss research in an informal setting, as well as to meet and interact with similar graduate student researchers from other institutions.  In particular, we hope to facilitate a network among students pursuing in-depth research across a range of disciplines in the social and natural sciences, to generate a larger interdisciplinary discussion concerning sustainable development.  If your research pertains to the field of sustainable development and the linkages between natural and social systems, we encourage you to apply regardless of disciplinary background.

 

For details, please see the call for papers, or visit our conference website where a detailed list of topics, conference themes and other information is available.

 

*The deadline has been extended to February 15th.*

Temasek Foundation Water Leadership Programme, 6-17 May 2013, Singapore

The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKY School) is pleased to launch the fourth run of the Temasek Foundation Water Leadership Programme (TFWLP) which will commence from 6-17 May 2013, at the LKY School, NUS Bukit Timah Campus in Singapore. The programme is developed in collaboration between the Temasek Foundation, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore and PUB, Singapore’s national water agency.

The TFWLP is a unique initiative which aims to meet the needs of water utilities managers operating in Asian emerging markets that are adapting to the increasing water and sanitation demands placed on them. This programme will expose participants to best practices in water utilities governance, practical guidance on managing water utilities effectively, and strategies to deal with existing and future challenges. Designed for middle and senior level management in local, regional or national water utilities; the programme is also highly relevant to policymakers, public utilities officials, consultants, researchers and representatives of civil society who are concerned with the governance of water utilities in their countries.

The TFLWP will accept team applications  composed of 5-7 members from one country. It is preferable that team members come from diverse backgrounds such as government sectors, water utilities,  non-governmental organizations and private sectors. Each team could comprise of a combination of policy makers, public utilities officials, consultants, researchers and representatives of civil society who would then work together upon returning to their countries to achieve the programme outcomes.

Full tuition expenses and hotel accommodation will be offered by Temasek Foundation to eligible applicants. Lunch, tea breaks and transportation will be provided during the programme. All participants must cover their own airfare and incidental expenses/per diem.

More information may be found in the invitation letter, programme brochure and application form attached. Please note that the deadline for submission is 8 March 2013.

Applications

To apply for this programme, please complete the Application Form (Parts 1, 2 & 3) with (i) a copy of your CV/Resume and (ii) a passport-size photo, before the application deadline, by the method below:

The applications must be submitted electronically to: lkysppep@nus.edu.sg

A copy of the programme brochure and application form can be downloaded from our website at <http://www.spp.nus.edu.sg/TFWLP_Admission.aspx>.

If you have any questions about the programme, please contact Ms. Luana Chow, Assistant Manager, Executive Education Department at luanac@nus.edu.sg or call (+65) 6516 7167.

Training-Workshop on Iterative Risk Management for Climate Change Adaptation

The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES) is organizing a five-day Training-Workshop on Iterative Risk Management for Climate Change Adaptation, from 22-26 April 2013 in Bangkok.

The training shall mentor participants in designing and implementing iterative and flexible risk management plans. It specifically helps them to understand the iterative risk management process in view of the complexities and uncertainties inherent in climate-related risks; and to establish ways to ensure continuous re-evaluation of their risk management plans, so that information is considered and incorporated at regular intervals.

This training is designed for different organizations and entities, and it is limited to 25 participants.

For more information, you can visit the webpage for this training course: http://www.rimes.int/em/?p=1159 or write an e-mail torimes@rimes.int.

ICCB 2013 in Baltimore: Reminder of Jan 30 Abstract Deadline

International Congress for Conservation Biology
Connecting Systems, Disciplines and Stakeholders

21-25 July 2013
Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Call for Abstracts for Contributed Oral, Speed with Poster, Poster, and Student Award Presentations

The Society for Conservation Biology announces the Call for Abstracts for the 2013 International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB), to be held 21-25 July in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. 

We are seeking abstracts for contributed oral, speed with poster, poster, and student award presentations. The deadline to submit your abstract is 30 January 2013.  Visit the Call for Abstracts page of the ICCB website for complete instructions and to access the Abstract Management System.

Decisions on submitted proposals will be made by 28 February 2013. We encourage proposals from individuals or groups involved in cutting edge conservation science or practice, especially those that can demonstrate an alignment with the theme of the congress: “Connecting Systems, Disciplines and Stakeholders.”

Thank you for interest in participating in the most important meeting world meeting for conservation professionals and students!

Sincerely,

2013 ICCB Local Organizing Committee  

Questions? E-mail 2013@conbio.org

6 days left to apply for GESA 2013

Season's Greetings from the Global Environments Summer Academy!
>
> The new year brings an exciting change to our Summer Academy: the venue for GESA 2013 (http://www.globalenvironments.org) moves to the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) of the University of Bern (http://www.cde.unibe.ch/Pages/default.aspx) from the Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich (LMU), where it was held in 2011 and 2012. The 2013 course will be held from 27 July to 18 August.
>
> The application deadline is 15 January 2013. If you have not done so yet, please send your application if you would like to be considered for this highly interactive, multi-disciplinary course focusing on the human dimensions of environmental change. Further information is available here (http://www.global-diversity.org/learning/training/environmental-academies/global-environments-summer-academy).
>
> The Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society (http://www.carsoncenter.uni-muenchen.de/index.html) and the Global Diversity Foundation/GDF (http://www.global-diversity.org) are excited about the newly-formed collaboration with the CDE, an interdisciplinary university centre that bridges research and practice to promote dialogue between the scientific community and society at large.
>
> Laying the Ground for Environmental Change through Innovation:
> GESA 2013 will begin with 'Nurturing Innovation', a novel three-day retreat facilitated by Eitan Buchalter of the Global Governance Institute (http://www.globalgovernance.eu). Hosted at the beautiful Gemmi Lodge (http://www.gemmi-lodge.com), the retreat aims to cultivate each participant's inner strengths and creativity. This sets the stage for the remainder of the course, enabling participants to cut to the chase when working together and innovating for change.
>
> Funding Alumni Collaborative Initiatives
> The GESA Alumni Innovation Fund will be launched in 2013 with support from The Salvia Foundation and The Rolex Institute. Managed by GDF, the Fund invites GESA alumni to apply for support to continue their interactions with each other, allowing them to further their creative efforts to embrace advocacy, environmental justice and ethical approaches in their fields and to disseminate the results of their applied research to the general public.
>
> From GESA to Global Action
> An exciting priority for 2013 is to establish the Global Environments Network (GEN), a strategy to empower environmental changemakers through a global action network. Grounded in GESA, the Network will promote transformative peer-to-peer learning and sustained interactions among emerging environmentalists who are tackling daunting challenges around the world.

Call for Registration: 3rd Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum, 18-20 March 2013 in Incheon, Republic of Korea

The 3rd Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum will be held in Incheon, Republic of Korea, on 18-20 March 2013.

This edition's main theme is "Mainstreaming Adaptation in Development: Strategies and Actions in a Changing Climate" with a focus on key strategic issues.

The forum aims at gathering adaptation practitioners at regional, national, and sub-national level. These could include government representatives from various line ministries, researchers, practitioners, NGOs, international organizations, regional intergovernmental bodies, academia, media and the private sector.

The forum will provide excellent opportunities for a range of actors working in different sectors and systems to share their knowledge about successes, and failures, to effectively adapt to climate. The mixture of plenary and panel discussions as well as diverse side-events will provide participants with an outstanding opportunity to interact and learn about the latest ideas and practices in mainstreaming adaptation.

A marketplace will provide the opportunity to showcase dynamic and diverse range of organizations, products, services, information and knowledge on Climate Change Adaptation.
There are many ways to participate in the forum: as a speaker, as a booth holder in the marketplace, as an attentive and questioning member of the audience, and by sharing your views in a briefing note.

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS JANUARY 15 2013
Registration is free of charge, among the participants from developing countries that will register online, some will be selected for support to cover their participation in the Forum. The rationale for the selection will be the 500-word briefing note that you are requested to submit upon registration.

For further information please contact info@asiapacificadapt.net or visit: www.asiapacificadapt.net/adaptationforum2013

Vacancy: Intern (PhD) at UNEP, Nairobi

Location :                 Nairobi, Kenya

Languages Required :         English

Starting Date :                 February 2013

Expected Duration of Internship : 6 months


Backgound:
UNEP's Mission it to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. The work of UNEP is underpinned by the fundamental values identified in the Millennium Declaration of freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature and shared responsibility and recognizing, among other things, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities as contained in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. The work of UNEP continues to focus on contributing to the achievement of the relevant Millennium Development Goals, enhancing the understanding of agreed international environmental goals and targets, and implementation of the Rio+20 outcome document "The Future We Want".

The Division of Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI) is one of the six Divisions of UNEP. The Division’s main areas of work focus on: Ecosystem management for human well being; Addressing environmental consequences of disasters and conflicts; and Facilitating countries’ adaptation to climate change. DEPI is also managing UNEP’s engagement in the UN collaborative programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Destruction (UN-REDD programme), the Inter-Governmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the joint UNDP-UNEP Poverty and Environment Initiative (PEI), the Global Programme of Action for the protection of marine environment from land based activities (GPA), and the UNEP International Ecosystem Management Partnership (IEMP).

The Office of the Director, DEPI seeks to recruit an intern to be based in Nairobi to assist with analysis of programmatic and policy issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Undertake focused on research on areas pertaining to ecosystems management, climate change adaptation and disasters/conflicts;
• Review implementation of DEPI-led projects;
• Design and propose an internal peer review process;  
• Support analysis of the Division's Programme of Work, and provide recommendations on possible areas for intervention;
• Undertake an analysis of the impact of the work of the Division, based on interaction with Branches/Units and relevant partners/clients;
• Any other duties that may be assigned by the supervisor.

Functional Competencies:

• Strong organizational and research skills;
• Excellent analytical, communication, and writing skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Experience working collaboratively in a team structure in a multicultural environment;
• Respect for diversity: understanding of the United Nations system, operations and structures;
• Work under minimum supervision and tight deadlines.

Eligibility:

• Enrolment in a PhD degree programme in environment or development related fields, such as environmental management, conservation studies, social sciences, international relations, communications, public or business administration, or any related field;
• Experience in work environments of international institutions is desirable, especially in areas of environmental management, conservation, public administration, public finance or development cooperation. Similarly, experience in the context of developing countries (including studies abroad) will be an asset.
• Good computer skills, specifically Word and Excel;
• Fluency in spoken and written English.

Interested applicants are required to respond to env.edu@unep.org or Pamela.Mubuta@unep.org  as well as complete the online internship procedures at http://www.unon.org/content/internship-programme

National Youth Forum on Green Solutions in Bangladesh in Rangamati District from 18-19 December 2012

ICIMOD and the Bangladesh Youth Forum together with the Green Hill and the Asia Pacific Youth Task Force on Rio +20 organised a two-days long National Youth Forum on Green Solutions in Bangladesh in Rangamati District from 18-19 December 2012. Organised in the framework of ICIMOD’s National Youth Forum initiative that aims to prepare youth from its member countries to take actions to promote green solutions in their countries, the event was attended by 40 youth from different parts of the country, majority of them coming from the hilly background. The two days meeting proved to be instrumental in bringing together central and local government, non-governmental organisations, local communities and youth to discuss on potential areas for development of green solutions in hilly areas of Bangladesh. 

Guests who attended the event included Mr. Md. Shamsuzzaman, Joint Secretary (administration), Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tract Affairs; Mr. Md. Irfan Sharif, Chief Executive Officer, Rangamati Hill District Council; Mr. Moung Thowai Ching, Executive Director, Green Hill; Mr. Tek Jung Mahat, Project Manager, ICIMOD; Mrs. Nazia Shirin, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Rangamati Sadar Upazila; Mr. Md. Mostafa Kamal, Deputy Commissioner, Rangamati Hill District; Ms. Marufa Ishaque, Programme Coordinator, Bangladesh Youth Forum; and Ms. Tuku Talukder, Chairperson, Green Hill among others. The programme contained technical sessions, world café for ideas development, field visit to nearby villages located in the Kaptai Lake area and community interaction. 

At the end of the Forum, the 40 participating youth prepared the National Youth Declaration on Green Solutions in Bangladesh, which will be guiding the youth activities in hilly areas of Bangladesh in coming days.

Bhutan hosted National Youth Forum on Green Solutions in Thimpu from 14-16 December 2012

Aiming at preparing youth from its member countries to take actions to promote green actions, ICIMOD partnered with the Happy Green Cooperative, a youth organization based in Thimpu and the Asia Pacific Youth Task Force on Rio +20 to organize three-days long National Youth Forum on Green Solutions in Bhutan, 14-16 December 2012. Held at the Department of Youth and Sports, Thimpu, the forum was attended by over 40 youth from different parts of the country.

 

The opening sessions of the forum was inaugurated by honorable Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Minister of Agriculture and Forests, Royal Government of Bhutan. Dr. Gyamtsho acknowledged the efforts put in by ICIMOD to engage youth in the area of green solutions and also encouraged the youth participants to have open mind in discussing pertinent issues to make the best use of the event. The forum successfully brought together government officials, local green entrepreneurs and youth communities to discuss on potential areas of development of green solutions in Bhutan. Guests who attended the forum included Ms Kesang Tshomo, National Director, National Organic Program, Ministry of Agriculture and Forest; Mr Sonam Dargay, Sr. Planning officer, National Environment Commission; Mr Karma Yoenten, CEO and Founder, Greener Way Waste Management Organization; Mr Vishmal Rai, CEO and Innovator, Green Computing and Green Solutions; Mr Sangay Rinchen, CEO and Founder, Happy Green Cooperative; Ms Anja Moller Rasmussen, Programme Manager, Integrated Knowledge Management, ICIMOD among others. In addition to the technical sessions by experts, the forum also included lively interaction session with young entrepreneurs of Bhutan which provided the participants a platform to share and gain ideas. The participants also had a chance to visit a Druk Organic Farm run by Druk Organic Growers Cooperatives located in Toeb Menchhungna, Toeb Geog, Punakha District. Farm manager Mr Rinchen Dorji and Mr Hitoshi Yokota, Integrated Agriculturist and Organic Foods Consultant from Japan introduced the activities of the farm to the participants. Also, a knowledge café session run by ICIMOD team provided a technical means for the participants to brainstorm on the ideas and come up with the National Youth Declaration on Green Solutions in Bhutan.

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

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development and the YUVA Foundation, together with Plant a Tree India, Asia Pacific Youth Task Force on Rio +20 and SEED, organised a National Youth Forum on Green Solutions in India in Rishikesh from 9-11 December 2012. About 40 youth participants from seven mountain states of India – Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram - attended talks by various mountain experts, made presentations on issues facing their states, participated in team building and leadership activities, and explored their role in shaping the emerging green economy, culminating in the joint development of a youth declaration on green solutions focused on the Indian Himalayas.

Mr Shantanu Gupta, founder and director of the YUVA foundation, briefed the participants about the objectives and expected outputs of the NFYGS.  Mr Tek Jung Mahat elaborated on how he saw the saw the event fitting into ICIMOD’s Youth Programme in the post-Rio+20 context. Speakers from various institutes - Dr. Pyar Singh Negi  from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology,Abdhesh Gangwar from Centre for Environmental Education-Himalaya, Mr. L.P Semwal  from Shri Jagdamba Samiti, Mr. Hemant Dhyani  from the Ganga Ahvaan Aandolan, Mr. Anil Jaggi  from the Green Earth Alliance and Ujol Sherchan from ICIMOD - spoke on a range of topics such as:

• impacts of climate change on mountain ecosystems,;
• need to change consumption habits to reduce carbon footprint and work in areas of mitigation to increase handprint;
• challenges facing mountain agriculture due to climate change and the need to work toward the sustainability of crops through various adaptation and mitigation measures;
• pollution of the Ganges river: issues, challenges and solutions;
• importance of corporate social responsibility, and its implications;
• linkage between the sustainable mountain development agenda and the movement toward a greener economy 

§

An Academy award winning movie, The Inconvenient Truth, was screened to initiate a discussion on how the youth participants conceived of climate change issues facing their states.  A leadership and team building exercise developed around a ‘bridge building contest: longest, strongest and most beautiful” brought out the creativity of the youngsters, and at the same time made them work as a team. The final outcome was evaluated on a few criteria, including leadership potential of team members, after which a winner was declared.

 

However, the main highlight of the event was presentations by youth participants on “Role of youth in the emerging Green Economy to address climate change challenges and opportunities facing the Indian Himalayas”.  All the presentations were followed by aWorld Café session on the ‘Identification and prioritization of climate change and adaptation related challenges and issues in the context of of the Indian Himalayas from a youth perspective‟. 

A SWOT (Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of five key stakeholders with stakes in the climate change development, - namely the government, community, youth, corporate sector and academia – was conducted and discussed in groups and later presented at a plenary. This activity proved to be extremely helpful in the development of a youth declaration on green economy.

 

On the last day, a field trip to the river Ganges along the Rajaji National Park was led by by Dr. K. K. Upreti. A stop was made at the village where the participants got the opportunity to interact with the villagers that had led a participatory 37-day hunger strike to achieve their right to access various government services and amenities, which subsequently made an enormous difference in their lives. 

Coincided with the International Mountain Day on 11 December, the event concluded finalizing the youth declaration on green solutions in India, which will be guiding the youth activities in across the Indian Himalayas. The event generated wide interest among the youth and media communities in India and beyond.

National Youth Forum on Green Solutions in Nepal held in Kathmandu, Nepal from 6–8 December 2012

The National Youth Forum on Green Solutions in Nepal was held in Kathmandu, Nepal from 6–8 December 2012. Managed under the Youth for Sustainable Mountain Development (Y4SMD) initiative of ICIMOD, the forum was organized through ICIMOD Youth Ambassadors led local NGO the Safe Environment Nepal – Youth 4 Conservation (SEN Y4C) in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Youth Task Force on Rio +20 and the Eco-Friends Nepal (EFN) and in participation of several ICIMOD trained youth in Nepal. The event saw participation from over 40 youth from different districts of Nepal, who were selected through a rigorous application process while maintaining a balance with respect to geography, gender and age.

The three-days long forum offered platform to Nepalese youth to understand theoretical concepts and underlying practical issues related to green economy in Nepal and other mountainous countries, discuss on possibilities of developing environmental entrepreneurship building on them, expand network of with like minded people and get to know about the institutional mechanisms and structure that can help them in the process. In his keynote address Dr Golam Rasul, Programme Manager and Green Economy expert at ICIMOD elucidated the importance of green economy in the mountainous countries, where he emphasized on need of establishing a strong link between water, food and energy. During the forum, participants interacted with several notable scientists and green entrepreneurs, and were briefed on vermicomposting, ecotourism projects among others. Through group exercises, participants also presented their vision for a cleaner country post 2015. The forum culminated with the participants attending the ICIMOD’s Green Solutions Fair at the ICIMOD Knowledge Park at Godavari where they had opportunities to visit market place enriched with participation of several Kathmandu based I/NGOs and environmental entrepreneurs.

Three five posters were awarred including cash prize to winning three. Prizma Ghimire, Nirmal Jnawali, Kanchan Upadhyay, Laxman Kande and Prachan Bhujel respectively were the top 5 entrants to the poster competition). The award was given to them by Dr. David Molden, Director General of ICIMOD.

Appeal: Global Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Green Solutions, 1 December 2012 in Doha, UNFCCC COP18

The Global Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Green Solutions concluded with a “Global Youth Appeal for COP18”. The delegation comprised of over twenty delegates from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific. The Global Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Green Solutions took place at the Climate Change Studio, Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) Doha during UNFCCC COP18 on 1 st December, 2012.

The youth delegates presented the youth appeal, declaration, views and concerns of the youth of their regions, and appealed to the world leaders and COP18 delegates to take into consideration the voices of the youth as the decisions taken today will affect them in future, and the future belongs to them so it is time to Act Now.

Global youth appeal to the world leaders and COP18 delegates that;

“We, the Global Youth, demand urgent and efficient action in the United Nations Climate Change conference, COP18/CMP 8. Youth must be provided due space in the UNFCCC process, and there is a need for youth empowerment through capacity building, opportunities, and building grassroots movements. Cultural events are a vital medium for passing messages, promoting climate change awareness and activism to reach the local communities by removing the language barriers. Youth needs to be trained to become climate change ambassadors by promoting environmental awareness.

The world is vulnerable to climate change; there is a dire need for promoting green entrepreneurship, sustainable energy (renewable energy solutions) usage, low carbon economy, and collaboration amongst youth. Efforts for climate change adaptation should be at par with mitigation efforts as the global south cannot afford mitigation measures.

The COP18 message should reach out vulnerable communities through all available means including social media and more traditional forms of communication”.

for more info, pls contact Ms. Sameera Zaib, event coordinator at sameerazaib.env@gmail.com.

National Youth Forum on Green Solutions in Pakistan at NUST Islamabad from 5-6 November 2012

The National Youth Forum on Green Solutions in Pakistan was at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Islamabad, Pakistan from 5–6 November 2012. Under ICIMOD’s Youth for Sustainable Mountain Development (Y4SMD) initiative, the  event was organized by the  Asia Pacific Youth Task Force on Rio +20 (APYTF) with support from the Peace & Development Organization (PDO) and a network of ICIMOD trained youth forum alumni in Pakistan. The event saw participation of some 40 youth from all provinces of Pakistan, who were selected through a rigorous application process while maintaining a balance with respect to geography, gender and age.

The two day forum provided a local forum for Pakistani youth for interaction and networking while helping them identify locale specific green economy initiatives. The forum oversaw keynote addresses by notable scientists, plenary discussions, group exercises and field visits to sites with a focus on sustainability and green solutions suitable for mountain communities.

Dr Abdul Wahid Jasra, Country Representative for Pakistan provided inputs on how youth can benefit from the various endeavors currently underway at ICIMOD and in Pakistan in particular. Dr Jawad Ali Khan, DG. Environment & Climate Change, provided the keynote address and the Minister for State- Ministry of Education & Training, Mr Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf graced the closing ceremony of the event Other notable resource persons included Mr Pirzada Moshibber, Director, Pakistan Agriculture Research Council, Mr Ashiq Ahmad khan, Technical Advisor ICIMOD Pakistan and Dr. Wajid Pirzada, CEO Agricol Pakistan among others. Furthermore Mr Tek Jung Mahat of ICIMOD led various sessions at the forum providing an overview of youth activities currently being undertaken at ICIMOD and future opportunities for youth from the region. Mr Utsav Maden shared an overview of social media tools that are being used for advocacy, information sharing and collaboration.

The National Youth Forum also saw the development of two important outcome documents - the Post 2015 agenda - Poverty Literacy & Environment Sustainability and the Youth Appeal for COP18. These documents, drafted though group work and further refined post forum virtually, also formed the agenda of the Global Youth Forum on Green Solutions organized by the APYTF in Doha as part of the UNFCCC COP 18/CMP8 event in Doha. The Global Youth Appeal for COP18, thus generated was further fine-tuned and shared with policy makers and delegates at COP18.

Call for Papers - ECPR-Panel on Sustainable Development After Rio+20: Post-Mortem or Rebirth?; Bordeaux, 4-7 Sept 2013

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

Sustainable Development After Rio+20: Post-Mortem or Rebirth?

Panel Chair: Philipp PATTBERG (Philipp.pattberg@vu.nl), VU University Amsterdam

Co-Chair: Daniel Compagnon (d.compagnon@sciencespobordeaux.fr), Institut D'Etudes Politiques de Bordeaux

Panel Abstract

In stark contrast to the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (best known for promoting sustainable development as a global policy concept and producing an ambitious roadmap for sustainable development), the 2012 Rio+20 Summit is widely regarded as a failure. While expectations of civil society, scientists and parts of the business community have been high, the outcomes of Rio+20 are sobering. High hopes had been placed on the two main topics of the summit, the institutional reform agenda and the green economy, with little tangible effects. Instead of delivering a "transformational vision" or a "constitutional moment", the conference has resulted in a final document that restates old commitments without delivering convincing answers to new challenges. The ongoing economic crisis has deepened the perennial lack of financial resources, while the proposed green economy is less concerned with sustainability than with fostering the emergence of new products and markets, and all this at a time when the emerging powers in the South made clear that they had no intent to restrain their fast growing economies to accommodate environmental concerns. End of story?

 

This panel will assess the prospects of global environmental governance and the major trends in economics and politics that may affect it in the years to come. Papers may address the following questions:

·         What are the future prospects of multi-lateral environmental conferences?

·         What alternative models of deliberation and decision-making exist?

·         Could bottom-up, public-private and business-driven initiatives compensate for the lack of international leadership?

·         What is the role of emerging economies in global environmental governance?

·         Is the concept of sustainable development outdated?

·         If so, what will be the new paradigm?

Paper proposals  are highly welcome and can now be submitted (deadline of 1 February) through the ECPR website:

http://new.ecprnet.eu/Conferences/General/2013_Bordeaux/Default.aspx

Regards,

 

Dr Philipp Pattberg, Associate Professor

Deputy Department Head, Department of Environmental Policy Analysis (EPA)

Institute for Environmental Studies - Instituut voor Milieuvraagstukken (IVM)

VU University Amsterdam

De Boelelaan 1085 (visiting address)

De Boelelaan 1087 (postal address)

1081 HV Amsterdam

The Netherlands

 

Telephone: ++31 (0)20 5989542

Telefax: ++31 (0)20 5089553

Homepage: http://www.ivm.vu.nl/en/index.asp

w www.ivm.vu.nl
w www.agci.vu.nl

w www.environmentalstudies.nl

Interesting opportunity: Apply for Global Power Shift with 350.org by 4th January 2013

Hello,

I’m writing to let you know about Global PowerShift, an international gathering that will take place in Istanbul, Turkey from June 10-17, 2013. This gathering will bring together 600 young organizers from around the world to skill share, trade tactics and connect on how we will be the generation that turns the tide on the climate crisis. Organizers who attend Global PowerShift will then return to their own countries and help to organize a regional gathering, developing regional campaigns, goals, actions and networks. As co2 levels and sea levels rise exponentially - so must our movement.

We know that the ecological crisis is merely a symptom of an unjust system and unsustainable culture. To accomplish the deep systemic change needed to avert complete catastrophe we will need to bring together a wide diversity of movements and thus we strongly encourage young organizers from a diverse backgrounds and struggles to apply. You can apply here, and please share this email with anyone you think might bring unique skills to this historic gathering. Application deadline is December 16th, and all expenses will be covered for participants.
______

Hola,

Te escribo para compartir información sobre Global Powershift, un encuentro y conferencia internacional que pasará en en Estambul (Turquía) el 10-17 de Junio. En este conferencia se juntaran unos 600 activistas joven de todo el mundo para compartir ideas, tácticas y conocerse en cómo podemos ser el generación que da la vuelta al cambio climático. Organizadores que participan en Global PowerShift después se volverán a sus comunidades y organizarán encuentros regionales, desarrollando campañas, objetivos comunes, y acciones. Los niveles de co2 y los niveles del mar están creciendo exponencialmente. Nosotros también.

Sabemos que el crisis es solo una síntoma de una sistema injusto y una cultura insostenible. Para llegar a los profundos cambios sistemáticos que son necesarios para prevenir un catástrofe inimaginable necesitaremos participantes de un gran diversidad de movimientos y luchas, no sólo de movimientos ecológicas. Manda tu solicitude aquí, o por favor comparta el página de ArtShift por tus redes y con los que piensas tendrá interes. La fecha límite es el 16 Diciembre, 2012, y todos gastos incluidos.
___

Salut!

Je vous écris pour vous informer sur Global PowerShift, une rencontre internationale qui se tiendra à Istanbul, en Turquie, 10-17 Juin 2013. Cette rencontre réunira 600 jeunes organisateurs du monde entier pour partager les compétences, tactiques et pour discuter sur la façon dont nous allons être la génération qui tournera la marée sur la crise climatique. Les participants à Global PowerShift retourneront ensuite dans leurs pays et lanceront une réunion locale, pour développer des campagnes des objectifs, des actions et des réseaux régionales. Comme les niveaux de CO2 et des niveaux de la mer augmente de façon exponentielle - il doit en être de notre mouvement!

Nous savons que la crise écologique n'est qu'un symptôme d'un système injuste et d'une culture non durable. Pour réaliser le profond changement systémique nécessaire pour éviter une catastrophe complète, nous aurons besoin de rassembler une grande diversité de mouvements et donc nous encourageons fortement les jeunes organisateurs des horizons et des luttes divers. Vous pouvez vous inscrire ici, et partager ce message avec quelqu'un que vous pensez pouvoir apporter des compétences uniques pour cette rencontre historique. La date limite d'inscription est 16 Décembre et tous les frais seront couverts pour les participants.

SAVE THE DATE Fourteenth Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum (GMGSF-14) preceding the 27th Session of the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GC27/GMEF). 16-17 February 2013, Nairobi, Kenya

SAVE THE DATE

Fourteenth Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum (GMGSF-14) preceding the 27th Session of the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GC27/GMEF)

16-17 February 2013, Nairobi, Kenya

In conjunction with its upcoming twenty-seventh session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GC/GMEF) to be held from 18th - 22nd February 2013 in Nairobi, Kenya, UNEP is organizing the fourteenth Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum (GMGSF-14) from 16th -17th February 2013 in Nairobi.
The objective of the Forum will be to facilitate preparations of major groups and stakeholders towards the GC27/GMEF which will hold ministerial-level consultations on emerging policy issues under the following themes: “Implementing Rio+20: A strengthened environmental pillar of sustainable development”, and “Implementing a green economy as an important tool for achieving sustainable development”. Among other issues, the Forum will provide an opportunity for a multi-stakeholders dialogue, as part of the implementation of the Rio+20 Outcome document, on new models and mechanisms to promote transparency and effective engagement of civil society in the work of UNEP; the role and opportunities for involvement of civil society in the post-Rio+20 processes and the post-2015 development agenda.
Registration is now open for all interested representatives of major groups and stakeholders of civil society at: http://www.unep.org/cso-sgb3/Login.aspx.
Please note that registration will close on 15th January 2013!
Kindly also note that organizations which are not accredited to UNEP will be requested to apply for one-time accreditation upon registration. The deadline for processing one time accreditations is 20 of January 2013.
For regular updates regarding the background and preparations towards the 14th GMGSF please visit: http://www.unep.org/civil-society/
For more information please contact us at: civil.society@unep.org.
Kind regards,
Alexander Juras
Chief, Major Groups and Stakeholders Branch
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
P.O. 30552 Nairobi, Kenya
http://www.unep.org/civil_society/

If your organisation is engaged in the work of UNEP, please register its profile at  http://www.unep.org/cso-sgb3/Register.aspx

International Symposium on Society & Resource Management (ISSRM): Call for Abstracts and Student Paper Competition

Call for Abstracts

International Symposium on Society & Resource Management

Estes Park, Colorado, USA

June 4-8, 2013

A Time for Integration

We invite you to submit abstracts for the upcoming International Symposium on Society and Resource Management in Estes Park, Colorado, USA , June 4-8, 2013. ISSRM is the premier scientific meeting for academic and government researchers, students, agency scientists, land managers, NGO representatives, and others who are broadly interested in the human dimensions of natural resource management issues. We welcome participation from around the world. In addition to a diverse array of paper, panel, and poster sessions, the program includes the 6th Annual Student Forum on June 4th and fantastic keynote and featured speakers though out the week. We hope you will join us in the spectacular Estes Valley surrounded by the majestic peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park for what promises to be an outstanding conference!

Please submit abstracts to present an individual paper, poster, or to lead an organized session. More information about the symposium and online submission of abstracts can be found at http://www.issrm2013.iasnr.org. Additional inquiries should be directed to conference@warnercnr.colostate.edu. 

Abstract submission deadline for an individual paper, poster, or organized session is February 4th 2013

Attention Students: Consider Entering the Student Paper Competition

Doctoral, Master’s, and undergraduate students are invited to submit a paper for consideration in the “Best Student Paper Awards” to be presented at the International Symposium on Society and Resource Management (ISSRM) in Estes Park, Colorado. The author of the best paper written by a Ph.D. student, and the author of the best paper written by a Master’s or undergraduate student, will win cash awards. For competition details see website at: http://www.issrm2013.iasnr.org/?page_id=1270