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As part of its mission, the MRI provides funding contributions for synthesis workshops that bring together global change researchers to address specific topics of interest to the mountain research community. The deadline for proposals is 7 February 2019
Background
The Mountain Research Initiative (MRI) promotes and coordinates research on global change in mountain regions around the world. As part of that mission, MRI provides funding contributions for synthesis workshops that bring together global change researchers to address specific topics of interest to the mountain research community, with the objective of producing synthesis products such as articles for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals or compilation of relevant data into publishable databases.
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Since 2015, the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become a global blueprint to address global challenges and achieve a “better and more sustainable future for all” – but what does this mean for mountain science? In his plenary presentation at the 5th Forum Carpaticum, the MRI's Co-Chair Prof. Jörg Balsiger explored this question. Using illustrations from the MRI's activities and recent scientific developments, Jörg Balsiger suggests three key implications of the 2030 Agenda. First, the 2030 Agenda’s integrated and indivisible character directly relates to the need to reinforce scientific efforts to transcend established boundaries, not only between disciplines but also between highlands and lowlands, between territory and function, and between the meanings of science of, in, and for mountains.
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What’s going on with climate change adaptation in glaciated mountain regions? Is it enough to meet the challenge of climate change? Find out in this new paper in Global Environmental Change.A new study develops a typology of the challenge of climate change in glaciated mountain systems and uses formal systematic review methods to critically evaluate existing adaptation actions and research in light of this framework.
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Representatives from ICIMOD and the MRI have been selected to co-lead the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report’s Cross-Chapter Paper on Mountains.
What happens in mountains directly affects one fourth of the world’s population, and more than half of humanity relies on freshwater from mountains. However, decisions about mountain resources are often made outside of the mountains, and mountains have received limited attention in the global development agenda. But things are changing. The Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will feature a Cross-Chapter Paper on Mountains.
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Following a year of exciting developments for the MRI, its Science Leadership Council met in Aeschi, Switzerland, 8-11 November to evaluate progress, review objectives, and set new priorities for 2019 – and beyond!
Kicking off the MRI Science Leadership Council (SLC) Meeting 2018, MRI Executive Director Dr. Carolina Adler expressed her thanks to the SLC’s for making the time to come together in this way. “It’s a pleasure to have this opportunity to meet with you all face-to-face, and I hope over the next few days together we can steer a course towards implementing our joint mission for mountain research in 2019.”
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As part of the official programme of the World Mountain Forum, held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 23-26 October 2018, the thematic track ‘Resilience & Transformation in Mountain Communities and Ecosystems’ was jointly coordinated and moderated by the MRI, CONDESAN, and the Center for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern.
The track conducted three sessions, each opening with 2-3 ‘flash talks’ highlighting key issues and trends related to the theme, as well as case studies of project experiences and lessons learned followed. These flash talks were then followed by world café discussions,where participants explored specific questions and provided recommendations for advancing sustainable mountain development. Poster contributions on the topic were presented in separate poster sessions.
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Jointly hosted by MRI and University of Zürich, the workshop ‘Enhancing visibility and positioning of mountains in the global IPCC related processes’ was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on 21 – 22 October 2018 alongside the World Mountains Forum, to present and consolidate regional contributions from SMD4GC partners on climate change as inputs for the IPCC AR6 assessment processes.Under the framework of the Sustainable Mountains Development for Global Change Programme (SMD4GC) ‘extension phase’ in 2018, the MRI and UZH coordinated and held a workshop activity just prior to the World Mountain Forum in Bishkek: ‘Enhancing visibility and positioning of mountains in the global IPCC related processes, and to strengthen capacities of regional partners.’ The main aim of the workshop was to jointly validate and review the draft products of regional hubs with the expected value-adding aspect of strengthening capacities to report on sustainable mountain development, and relating these conclusions as inputs for key global reports and publications.
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The 27th General Assembly of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics IUGG will take place in Montreal, Canada 8-18 July 2019, and also marks the 100th anniversary of IUGG.The programme promises a “look back on the accomplishments of the previous century of Earth and space science research, and forward to the next century of scientific advancement.” The scientific programme is built around symposia organized by the union and the associations alone or jointly.
