Jungfrau-Aletsch: A Lesson in Sustainable Regional Development
Using the example of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Swiss Alps, a German-language teacher’s kit has been created that illustrates the challenge of harmonising nature conservation interests and human development interests. Conceived as a Partnership Action and geared towards Swiss high school students, the corresponding lessons enable young people to grasp the universal value of this Alpine region, the various perspectives of the surrounding communities and the demands of protecting a delicate mountain ecosystem. Access the free kit (in German)
In the run-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP15 in Copenhagen, evidence for policy No. 4 focuses on effective natural resource manage-
ment in mitigation and adaptation strategies. Topics covered include the multiple benefits of restoring soil fertility. Download Natural resources: the climate change challenge
For a paper copy, please contact:
The previous issues can be downloaded here.
SCNAT/KFPEPublication
Cooperating for Success - Benefits of Research Partnerships with Developing Countries
This latest publication of the KFPE presents 12 successful projects (6 from the NCCR North-South). The 12 practical examples show the advantages of cross-border research – also for Switzerland. Moreover, they underscore the continually evolving challenges of such efforts.
Interview with Hans Hurni on BBC World To mark World Food Day on 16 October 2009, BBC World is airing a number of television reports on the topic. The reports include interviews with Prof. Hans Hurni, director of the NCCR North-South and the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), and Markus Giger, senior research scientist at the CDE.
The reports aired on 16-19 and 24-26 October on BBC World can be viewed here. The full interview with Hans Hurni is available on YouTube. In the following clip, Prof. Hurni responds to the question: “Could we feed the world today, given the political will?”
For video clips of NCCR North-South regional coordinators, click here.
The Nepal Research Group of the NCCR North-South now has its own website. To find out about its activities, please visit: www.nccr-nepal.org
Balancing life and work:
A challenge for women and men
A recent collaborative workshop organised by the three Bern-based NCCRs – North-South, Trade Regulation and Climate – invited participants to discuss ways of reconciling the demands of a scientific career with those of a healthy family and social life. Read more
Two publications were prepared in the run-up to the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (COP15), taking place 7-18 December, 2009. Both publications – a CDE/SDC brochure and an NCCR North-South policy brief – were launched at the COP15 side event “Mountains of the World: Addressing Climate Change through Sustainable Mountain Development” on Saturday 12 December 2009. www.cde.unibe.ch Environmental Peacebuilding: Managing Natural Resource Conflicts in a Changing World
Published by swisspeace and edited by Didier Péclard, this new conference paper examines the issue of environmental security in light of heightened concerns about global warming and resource scarcity. Looking beyond simple cause-effect relationships between environmental degradation and violent conflicts, the authors highlight the role of local social and political institutions in managing environmental conflicts. Download pdf Biofuel in Africa: opportunities and threats of Jatropha and related crops (BIA)
BIA is a project funded by the Agriculture Research for Development Dimension of the European Research Area (ERA-ARD) and affiliated to the NCCR North-South. In this interview on TSR (Swiss TV - French channel, aired on 22 October 2009), BIA coordinator Dr. Albrecht Ehrensperger (Centre for Development and Environ-
ment, CDE, University of Bern) speaks about the challenges related to biofuel production in developing countries and explains how BIA intends to assess the impacts of such production on livelihoods and the environment. Watch video (French)
NCCR North-SouthBrochure
Research Partnerships for Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia Highlights of the work conduc-
ted over the past four years in Southeast Asia are the focus of a brochure just out. The bro-
chure Research Partnerships for Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia was published by the NCCR North-South team based in Bangkok.
The NCCR North-South is hosted by the University of Bern
and funded jointly by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
