Phase I
Main Objective:
Apply state-of-the-art technologies and analytical approaches from climate modeling, remote sensing, geospatial analysis and sustainable forest management to develop tools for climate change adaptation and to develop adaptive strategies and recommendations for sustainable forest management practices in the Asia-Pacific region.
Specific Objectives:
- Examine of the current status of studies of climate change in the region to identify knowledge gaps;
- Develop high-resolution climate models and vegetation remote sensing database for the entire Asia-Pacific region;
- Develop ecological models for several major forest tree species to predict shifts in their suitable climatic niches in the future;
- Perform pilot site experiments to develop adaptive strategies for climate change through the integration of model predictions with local forest management practices;
- Establish a network of scientists, stakeholders and policy makers to facilitate information sharing and knowledge transfer;
- Develop web tools to facilitate easy access to climate/ecological models and information.
Phase II
Main Objective:
To build upon the successfully completed outputs of Phase I and continue to substantially improve the capacity of policy makers and forest managers in selected economies to develop robust adaptation strategies to improve the health and productivity of forest ecosystems and their resilience to climate change.
Specific Objectives:
- Improve and expand the essential tools developed in the previous phase of the project, including climate, niche, and process-based models, to further facilitate and promote related research and applications in more locations throughout the Asia-Pacific;
- Continue to build a strong scientific basis and provide adaptive management options to enhance the target economies’ capacity for decision making regarding adaptation to climate change;
- Expand the network built in Phase I and continue capacity building through workshops, communication, and policy notes to further enhance information sharing and technology transfer.