Global COE Program - Kyoto University - In Search of Sustainable Humanosphere in Asia and Africa

Date：3 February 2012,       15:30 - 18:30　

Vanue：Room Number 332, Inamori Burilding, CSEAS, Kyoto University 

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Date： 4-8 October 2011
Venue:Pekanbaru, Indonesia
 

Presenation:
1.Kosuke　Mizuno, Kazuo Masuda
Socioeconomic challenges for sustainable management of a tropical peat land ecosystem and proposal of people’s forest
 

2.Hiromitsu Samejima,Motoko S. Fujita, Dendy Sukma Haryadi and Ahmad Muhammad
Biodiversity inventory in a peat-swamp area -Mammals & Birds-
 

3.Kazuo Watanabe, Shuichi Kawai
「Land Use and Biomass on the Peat Swamp Area in The Giam Siak Kecil- Bukit Batu Biosphere Reserve」
 

4.Haris Gunawan, Shigeo Kobayashi, Kosuke Mizuno, Kono Yasuyuki, Osamu Kozan
Peatswamp Forest and Restoration Experiments to Promote the Local Community Livelihood and Ecosystem Services Functions in Riau Biosphere Reserve, Indonesia.
 

Date:October 20 (Wed.), 2010
Venue:Universitiy Riau

Co-organizers:
G-COE Initiative3, Universitiy Riau

新聞掲載»
http://www.humanosphere.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/mediagallery/media.php?f=0&sort=0&s=2010110215144289

 

Date：June 10-12, 2010
Vanue：Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia

Co-organization
RISH, The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), JSPS Asia and Africa Scientic Platform Program

Record of Activity >>

 

Date: February 4, 2010
Venue:Room No. 332, 3F, Inamori Foundation Memorial Hall, CSEAS, Kyoto University

Program >>(2010/01/14 UP)

Excursion: February 6 to 7 at Hieizan Enryakuji Kangyo-no-Tsudoi
http://www.hieizan.or.jp/enryakuji/econt/event/index.html

This is organized by G-COE program.

【Record of Activity】
Opening by Kaoru Sugihara (10:00-10:10)
 

Professors Sugihara’s speech highlight t the important of this workshop for the G COE program. This event opens the opportunity to deepen cooperation and build a sustainable concept in the management of newly establishes Biosphere reserve in Riau Province Indonesia
 

Studies on Riau Bioshpere Reserve (10:10-12.00)
Presenters:
Ahmad Muhammad (Riau University)
Shigeo Kobayashi (Kyoto University)
Haris Surono (Sinar Mas Forestry)
Three Presenters give a presentation of their research experience in Riau province.. Various subjects such as the richness of biodiversity in Riau, peat forest rehabilitation techniques and efforts in implementing collaborative work in for the development of the Giam Siak Kecil-Bukit Batu Biosphere Reserve were the main topics brought up by the three presenters.
 

Progress reports (13.30-15.00)
Presenters:
Haris Gunawan (Riau University & Kyoto University)
Retno Kusumaningtyas (Kyoto University)
Rumi Kaida (Kyoto University)
Osamu Kozan (Kyoto University)
Yuyu Arlan (Sinar Mas Forestry)
Ahmad Muhammad (Riau University)
The six presenters shares their experience and research progress has been implemented or planning to be implemented at the Giam Siak Kecil-Bukit Batu Biosphere Reserve. The first presenter shares his experience in field data collection of peat condition recently collected in this area. The second presenter shared her experience in natural resource management from previous studies in Java and other part of Riau province. The third presenter presented her laboratory work on the improvement of tropical tree species including species commonly found in the Riau Biosphere Reserve. The fourth presenter shows some atmospheric data and condition including unique characteristic of precipitation distribution around the Biosphere area. The fifth presenter show socio economic conditions of the villages located inside and surround the Biosphere, while the sixth presenter shared his experience on the study if jungle rubber practices by local community in Riau province.
 

Coffee break (15:00-15:15)

Future prospects (15:15-17:00)
Presenters:
Kosuke Mizuno (Kyoto University)
Takahisa Hayashi (Kyoto University)
Yohanes Purwanto
The Presenters in this session provide information about the program and the new plan could be developed for the continuation of cooperation and joint research that will help towards sustainable management of this Biosphere Reserve. Topics such as the opportunity of REDD and CDM programs became the main topic of the first presentation. The second presentation provides information about the development of sites of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Indonesia. The last Presenters shared their views about the next steps to be taken for the continuation of cooperation within the framework of research on the location of Giam Siak Kecil, Bukit Batu Biosphere Reserves.
 

(Retno Kusumaningtyas)

Date:Aug. 4(Fri.)　-　6(Sun.)，2009
Venue:Riau University

Co-hosting Organizers
・RISH, Kyoto University
・Riau University
・Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI)

Program and report>>    Report of Eco Tour>>　

Record of Activity>>

Date：July 13（Mon.）　10:00～11:30
Vanue：Room Number 202, RISH

Presentation:
Takumi Takeda (Iwate Biotechnology Institute/ Iwate Biotechnology Research Center)

Part 1
1. Report on activities and research sites in RIAU
2. Announcement on the approval of RIAU Biosphere by UNESCO report.
3. Next Humanosphere Science School RIAU University, Sumatra, Indonesia.
 

Part 2
Bio-Energy Initiative and Research in Iwate
By: Takeda Takumi, PhD
Biological Resources Research Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Iwate Prefecture
 

【Record of Activity】

Iwate prefecture is currently exploring the possibility of producing ethanol from various biomasses that are available within Iwate prefecture. One of the purposes of this exploration centers around the idea of costs related to the production and transportation of raw materials. If energy can be produced from the existing materials within the prefecture and furthermore utilized for prefecture needs, efficient bio-energy production and consumption will be achieved. Currently Dr. Takeda is conducting research on producing ethanol from the waste straws from paddy and other cereals fields. The work has been going well as it has been accompanied by both the support and good collaboration between the private sector and Iwate government.

(Kusumaningtyas Retno)

Record of Activity>>

Date: June 12 (Fri.), 2009 10：00-12:00        

Venue: Room No. 330, Inamori Foundation Memorial Bldg.

Presentation：
Prof. Mitsuru OSAKI
Director of Sustainability Governance Project of Hokaido University
 

Title: Project for Peat Carbon Initiatives
(Hokaido University Project with LIPI 1997 – 2006)

【Record of Activity】

Earth with tropical peat carbon is mainly located in Indonesia, the Amazon region, Brazil and Central African countries. The total carbon peat of tropical forest is estimated at about 83.8 Gt, with Indonesia accounting for about 50% of this amount at 44.5 Gt, located in Kalimantan, Sumatra and Papua. The management and restoration of this area is very important. The project for peat carbon initiatives is situated in the Mega Rice Project, a 1 Million-Hectare Project began during the Soeharto presidency in the Center of Kalimantan. The project is located nearby Sebangau National Park and Kahayan National Park. Several local institutions such as LIPI, University of Palangkaraya and Bogor Agricultural University take part in the project with the title: Wild Fire and Carbon Management in Peat Forest of Indonesia. The area is currently devastated. The soil type in the area is sandy podzolic. It has extremely poor nutrients, Al3+ and contains toxic with pH no more than 3, Acid Sulfate Soil. The original vegetation is Melaleuca cajuput. Currently the planting of oil palm and sago palm are increasing in this area. The emission of carbon from the peat area to the air by forest fires in Indonesia due to El Nino in 1997, 1998, and 2002 was estimated at about 5 – 8 Mt C/Mill.Ha/year, equal to 1 – 2% of the carbon emission of fossil fuel in Japan.

In the program "Fire and carbon management in peat-forest in Indonesia"(2009-2014) Several activities such as (1) satellite image sensing to measuring the groundwater level, (2) assessment of carbon (the instruments installed at three locations), and　(3) carbon management and peat management. Apart from these activities some social studies of local culture and also development programs such as Eco-education and training, volunteer work on planting trees and reforestation by local people were implemented during the project.
 

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Reduction of Emission from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) exist as part of the effort to mitigate global warming. The REDD system in particular pays more attention to the peat forest areas.
 

Discussion
(Prof. Kobayashi) The soil of peat swamp areas has extreme acidity with pH often less than 3. When the peat forest is depredated, the soil nutrient is leached. Boron content, which is an important nutrient for plant growth, is absorbed by the peat that creates difficult conditions for plants to grow. Only limited species can survive in these conditions such Melaleuca and some Shores sp. When it has become degraded, peat forest is difficult to regenerate. A soil layer of at least 1 meter from the peat is necessary for microorganism that support the survival of vegetation to grow on the surface of peat area.
 

Comments
Dr. Kozan Osamu:
(1) Abundance of tropical precipitation takes part in the formation of the peat in the swamp areas.
(2) In the abandoned areas, such as the research site, the kind of rehabilitation activities which are suited needs to be given considerable thought. For example the establishment of oil palm which would generate additional economic value for the community, but its ecological value to the environment has to be examined further.
(3) Concerning the question of the time scale to produce a local solution, a simulation can be conducted to measure the evaporation of water in the peat swamp area.
(4) Regarding the question of observation/studies on the balance of CO2, microorganisms, plant/vegetation has been conducted by the Research Institute of Sustainable Humanosphere since 2002 by using a monitor tower. The data of forest water evaporation, CO2, energy transport (FFPRI FluxNet), will be made available to the public.
 

(Kusumaningtyas Retno)

Record of Activity>>

Date: May 15 (Fri.), 2009        10:00～12:00　

Venue: RISH, HS Room No.202

Title： Results and Potential Research at Nominated Giam Siak Kecil-Bukit Batu Biosphere Reserve

Presentation：
Enny Sudarmonowati, Research Centre for Biotechnology-LIPI

Commentator:
Kosuke Mizuno
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University

Osamu Kozan
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University

Shuhei Kimura
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University

Baseline data on biodiversity and on socio-economic-cultural aspects that was obtained from the assessments conducted by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences in collaboration with Sinar Mas Forestry in the area of nominated Riau (Giam Siak Kecil-Bukit Batu) Biosphere Reserve has been integrated in order to establish a Management Plan (2009-2013) which has to be in place for the nomination request to UNESCO. At least 195 species of plants (of which 173 species of them were tree species) and important genetic resources were identified together with the distribution and location of high value trees. Bukit Batu forest blocks have a higher diversity index as compared to Tasik Betung forest blocks which are located in Giam Siak Kecil (0.4% vs 0.3%). At least 162 species of moth which is a good indicator of forest condition, 30 species of fish, and 11 species of reptile/amphibian were found. Based on economic, social, and cultural interaction among stakeholders aspects in 5 villages i.e.: Tasik Betung, Tasik Serai, Tasik Serai Timur, Sumber Jaya, Tanjung Leban, it was observed that the communities were poor although the degree varied between villages, education levels were low, dependency on forest was still high, traditional knowledge had almost disappeared which was also related to the high migration rate into the area, and conflict among stakeholders and a lack of law enforcement were problems that needed to be solved. Planned activities/research, potential research and on going research related to 6 aspects i.e. (1) Peatland, (2) Carbon, (3) Hydrology, (4) Biodiversity, (4) Social aspects and (6) Bioethanol were also discussed. As part of the core zone of the area is Wildlife Sanctuaries which are considered to be conservation area, permits required and mechanisms for application as well as other related permits were discussed.

Commentator:
Kosuke Mizuno (Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University)
“Destruction and conservation of peatland in Indonesia”
There are vast peatlands in Indonesia and their development brings about enormous carbon emission. Drainage of peatlands and the use of peatlands as dry land result in subsidence and carbon emission. To use peatland as marsh will prevent subsidence. The first thing we must do is to afforest trees such as Jelutung which can grow in marsh to promote the wise use peatland. Therefore, management is required to operate with accountability and transparency, develop new financial mechanisms and partnerships, undertake capacity building and apply appropriate technology in order to achieve success.

Osamu Kozan (Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University) We endeavor to attain scientific results and useful information for the purpose of forest management. To engage in hydrology research, co-researchers who maintain observation systems and a decision on the observation site in the Riau area (Transition or Succession Area?) are necessary.

Shuhei Kimura (Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University) There are several issues we must understand which are as follows: (1) transformation of living conditions in the last 10 years (local way of life, positive and negative impacts of Community Development Living conditions of migrants, values and norms in mixed situation), (2) the capacity for governance (the possibility of controlling the company-local community relationship, the relationships among central/province/district governments and local stakeholders).

Other comments
It is important to study what factor(s) are/is to create successful relations between the people, company and government (Tanaka) and to think of a good model to create these relationships (Sugihara), as well as a further study of the long term development of issues regarding the reservation area (Kono).

Date: April 27 (Mon), 2009        15:00～16：00　

Venue: RISH, HS Room No.202

Presentation：
Dr. Mineyuki Yokoyama　（Shiseido, New Technology R&D Center ）

Date: March 31 (Tue), 2009        10:30～

Venue: Inamori Foudation Memorial, Room No. 330, Kyoto University

【Record of Activity】>>

Date:    February 19, 2009 (preliminary meeting) and
February 20, 2009 (Workshop presentation).
Venue: University of Riau, Pekanbaru, Riau, Sumatra, Indonesia

Participants: Kyoto University, Riau University, Indonesian Science Institute (LIPI),
Local Research and Development Body (Balitbangda),
Forest and Natural Resource Conservation Office in Riau Province (BBKSDA), and SinarMas.

【Presentation】
1) Collaborative natural resource management between local community and timber plantation
2) Dynamic evaluation of forest biomass in plantation forest using ground-based and satellite remote sensing data
3) Water/carbon cycle and soil moisture control, hydrogical mapping, weather observation in the peat swamp
4) Case study on biofuel production: from pulp to bioethanol
5) Biodiversity observation of Riau biosphere reserve
6) Peat land Management and conservation

 

【Record of Activity】

Preliminary meeting (February 19, 2009; 14:00 ~ 16:00)
The meeting mainly discussed issues regarding the scheduling and presentations that would be made during the international workshop the following day. Some milestones and targets that needed to be achieved during the workshop were selected and agreed upon among the participants present at the meeting.
The meeting also agreed to put together a Letter of Agreement in the near future in order to facilitate collaboration in research activities between Kyoto University, University of Riau and LIPI in the Giam Siak and Bukit Batu Area. This letter will be signed by the three parties; Kyoto University, University of Riau and LIPI, and will be acknowledged and approved by BBKSDA, Balitbangda and Asia Pulp and Paper as well as the legal authorities of the area. A draft of the letter agreement will be drawn up by Dr. Purwanto from LIPI.

International Workshop (February 20,2009; 08.00 ~ 15.00)
08:00 ~ 0845
The purpose of this workshop was to identify research activities and contact personnel from three institutions (University of Riau, Kyoto University and LIPI) planned to be implemented in Giam Siak Kecil and Bukit Batu area. It opened by Vice Rector IV of University of Riau, and started with keynote speech by Prof. Endang Sukara on the subject of the application of Giam Siak Kecil and Bukit Batu Area to UNESCO`s biosphere reserve. In his presentation he also explained the role of the biosphere reserve as part of a response to global climate change.

08:45 ~ 09.00
Presentation by the head of Provincial Office for Natural Resource Conservation (BBKSDA), Ir. Rachmat Sidik, M. Ed, which provided a detailed explanation of issues regarding location, such as current conditions and status as well as the management system implemented in Giam Siak Kecil and Bukit Batu Natural Reserves.

09:00 ~ 09:10
The next presentation was given by Asia Pulp and Paper with their representative Mr. Harris Surono. He presented the preparations by the company for the plan to implement UNESCO`s biosphere concept over Giam Siak Kecil and Bukit Batu areas.

09:10 ~ 09:20
Presentation by a representative from the Office for Local Research and Development of Riau Province (Balitbang Riau). The presentation explained about the status and duties of Balitbang Riau with regard to research and development activities in Riau province and possible collaborations for joint research with other institutions.

09:20 ~ 09:30
Presentation from the University of Riau by Mr. Ahmad Muhammad who presented a research proposal as well as some interests submitted by fellow researchers from the University of Riau. There were about 25 research titles, divided into 3 research interests. Research Interest I covered research on the topics of biodiversity and ecological processes. Research Interest II covered the exploration of potential organisms, and Research Interest III covered landscape management, fishery source, swamp peat restoration, land-use, socio-economy, and institutional aspects of biosphere.

09:30 ~ 10:15
Presentations by representatives of LIPI:
(1). Dr. Tukirin presented a thematic program of LIPI for the years 2009 ~ 2011.
(2). Dr. Bambang Subyanto gave a presentation on biomass research activities.
(3). Dr. Enny Sudarmonowaty gave a presentation on bio-ethanol and bio-diesel case in Indonesia

10:15 ~ 10:45
Presentations by representatives of Kyoto University:
(1). Dr. Retno Kusumaningtyas gave a presentation regarding a research proposal with the title “Assessing the potential collaborative scheme of forest resource management for timber plantation and local communities”.
(2) Dr. Osamu Kozab gave a presentation regarding “Heat, water and CO2 flux observation in peat swamp”.
(3) Dr. Rumi Kaida presented her research on biofuel production from pulp to bioethanol.

10:45 ~ 11:45
Presentation by Dr. Takahisa Hayashi as representative of Initiative 3, G-COE, Kyoto University. In his presentation, he pointed out several urgent necessities for the collaboration of research among the institutions that attended the workshop. He suggested that leaders should be selected and for each research subject relevant people should be contacted. Some other initiatives were proposed to improve the project, such as the development of Giam Siak Kecil and Bukit Batu area’s website, and further the writing up of a letter of agreement in order to accommodate Kyoto University research activities in the area.

11:45 ~ 13:30 Break

13.30 ~ 15.30
Discussion regarding the matrix that will be used in order to improve the document management plan for Giam Siak Kecil and Bukit Batu Biosphere Reserve.

(Retno Kusumaningtyas)

Date: January 28, 2009 (Wed.) 13:30 - 15:00PM
Venue: Room No. 331, Inamori Foundation Memorial Hall

Presentation：
１）Hakimi Shafia
"Profit Sharing Contract in Felcra from Islamic Perspectives"

２）Mohammad Najmul Islam
"Socio-economic Impacts of Bank Erosion of the River Padma at Zanjira, Bangladesh"

 ３）Haris Gunawan
"A Study of the Role of Peat Swamp Forest Remnants to Maintain the Native Tree Diversity in A Timber Estate on Tropical Peatlands"

Date: January 26(Mon.) 12:30～14:00
Venue: Room No. 330, the 3rd floor, Inamori Memorial Hall, CSEAS, Kyoto University

The site is located in a combined area of natural forest and plantation forest in Riau Province, Sumatra Indonesia. The area has been allocated for Biosphere Reserve, a forest protection management pioneered by UNESCO, that covers 780,000 hectares of forest. Presently this site is under the co-supervision of Sinar Mas Forestry and the Ministry of Forestry. In this site, Initiatives 3 plans to expand research collaboration with several institutions such as the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), the Ministry of Forestry (Dept of Forestry), the University of Riau, and Sinar Mas Forestry.

An MOU should be drafted and completed/signed before starting this research collaboration. Some samples of MOU formats between Kyoto University/RISH with other parties were discussed in order to design the right format for the Riau Biosphere Reserve Project MOU. It was proposed that G-COE leader, Prof. Sugihara will represent Kyoto University in signing the MOU and Dr. Endang Sukara will represent LIPI in signing the MOU. Other representatives from other institutions will be decided upon later. The meeting agreed to finalize the making of this MOU and its signing as soon as possible and will discuss more on the matter during the workshop on February 20th, in Riau, Indonesia.

②　Future research activities

A workshop organized by University of Riau will be held on February 20th, 2009 in Pekanbaru, Riau. Members of Initiatives 3 have agreed to present a research proposal during this workshop. The appointed member of Initiatives will present a research proposal to be implemented in Riau site with the topics listed below. The dateline for the Kyoto University research proposal is agreed to be on February 10th. Meanwhile, the dateline to submit to Riau University as the organizing university is on February 13th, 2009.

Research Proposals
1. Collaborative natural resource management between local community and timber plantation (Equitable partnerships between corporate and small-holder partners in timber plantation industry)
Culture
Empowerment of local people
Eco-tourism
Illegal logging and encroachment

2. Dynamic evaluation of forest biomass in plantation forest using ground-based and satellite remote sensing data

3. Water/carbon cycle and soil moisture control, hydrogical mapping, weather observation in the peat swamp

4. Case study on biofuel production: from pulp to bioethanol

5. Biodiversity observation of the Riau biosphere reserve
Aquatic and Terrestrial (Conservation status)
Valuation and development

6. Peat land Management and conservation
Fire peat land
Hydrology management
Restoration
Peat land physical and nutrition improvement

This workshop will mainly be attended by University members (Kyoto University and Riau University), LIPI and Sinar Mas and other limited parties.

③　International Symposium on March 9th, 10th, and 11th, 2009.

Initiatives 3 will organize an International Symposium on the environmental and energy issues. The challenges facing bio-energy include the agroforestry settlement of sustainable humanosphere, the development of the next generation bio-energy crops, etc. A number of experts from abroad and Japan will be invited to give presentations. Currently Dr. Andre Faaij from the University of Utrecht and Dr. Kinya Sakanishi from the Biomass Technology Research Center (AIST), Japan, have been confirmed to give presentations at this workshop. Other speakers and commentators from Initiative 3 Group members have also been allocated places in each section.

Regarding the Poster presentation, each presenter will give a 2-3 minutes oral presentation to explain the poster.

(Retno Kusumaningtyas)

Date: December 8(Mon.) 16:00～19:00
Venue: E114N, Uji Campus, Kyoto University

Date: November 13(Tur.) 17：00～18：30
Venue:E107, 1st floor of East Building, CSEAS

Presentation:
1. Shoko Kobayashi (G-COE Researcher)
"PROPOSED GIAM SIAK KECIL BUKIT BATU BIOSPHERE RESERVE RIAU,SUMATRA"

2. Takahisa Hayashi (Associate Professor, RISH)

1. Description of Riau site by Dr. Yoshiko Kobayashi

The site is a mosaic of 2 protected areas connected by reservation forest (natural forest) of a timber plantation concession affiliated with Sinar Mas Forestry, surrounded by a timber and oil palm plantation. The total area or 78,000 ha is now being proposed as an area for Biosphere Reserved management pioneered by UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is an area of terrestrial and coastal/marine ecosystem, or a combination thereof, which is internationally recognized within the framework of UNESCO’s Program on Man and Biosphere. Biosphere Reserve areas are established to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between humans and biosphere. The Biosphere Reserve concept is a robust alternative approach and tool towards achieving sustainable development.

The three functions of Biosphere Reserve are (1) Conservation: to conserve genetic, species, ecosystems and landscape resources; (2) Development: to enhance the economy of the community and human welfare; (3) Logistic support: to support pilot projects, environmental education and training, research and monitoring related to conservation and sustainability.

The site is design into 3 types of management, (1) core area that covers 17900 ha, (2) buffer zone area that covers 22200 ha, and (3) transition area that covers 30400 ha. The vegetation in the core area is natural forest, the vegetation in the buffer zone are Acacia carssicarpa and Eucaliputas pelita plantations, meanwhile the transition zone is covered by oil palm plantation, paddy fields and other types of agriculture.

In this site, Intitiative 3 would like to conduct collaborative research with the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), the Ministry of Forestry (Indonesia), the University of Riau, Reasearch & Development Division of Sinarmas

2. Description on the project proposal by Dr. Hayashi Takahisa

The "Riau Biosphere Reserve Project" by Sinar Mas is being implemented with certain goals which are: (1) to improve the image of the company, (2) conservation of forests, (3) RDD revenues, and (4) to try to promote eco-tourism.

The G COE Initiative 3 is proposing collaborative research projects in this area with research topic as follows:

1.Collaborative natural resource management between local community and timber plantation (equitable partnerships between corporate and small-holder partners in timber plantation industry)
   Culture
   Empowerment of local people
   Eco-tourism
   Illegal logging and encroachment

2.Dynamic evaluation of forest biomass in plantation forest using ground-based and satellite remote sensing data

3.Water/carbon cycle and soil moisture control, hydrogical mapping, weather observation in the peat swamp

4.Case study on biofuel production: from pulp to bioethanol

5.Biodiversity observation of Riau biosphere reserve
   Aquatic and Terrestrial (Conservation status)
   Valuation and development

6.Atmospheric observation by EAR (tentative)

7.Peat land Management and conservation
   Fire peat land
   Hydrology management
   Restoration
   Peat land physical and nutrition improvement

3. Discussions/comments on the proposal

(1) The social research topic as mentioned in topic 1 is regarded a very difficult task for Kyoto University to carry out. The subject especially empowerment of the locality is more suitable to be conducted by an institution that can stay and study/assist the community over a long period of time such as a NGOs or local university (Tanaka).

(2) In the field, the condition of the core area is logged over natural forest of peat land (from observation in the field). Inside the core zone, there are some settlements and illegal logging is still a big problem. The acacia plantation built around the core zone is expected to prevent more settlements from growing inside the conservation area (Mizuno).

(3) This special type/system of conservation management is interesting as a subject to be studied. When Universities need to do research, they have to collaborate with the company. We need to think something in order to prevent problems in the future concerning bad operations by the company with which they collaborate. Can this collaboration be done without jeopardizing the University name? The question arises (Tanaka). In the MOU Kyoto University with other collaborating institutions can we formulate something to prevent this? Such as: a researcher’s position as a person with a neutral stance (Tanaka).

4. Future Plans

An international workshop is planned around February, 2009 in Riau. This workshop will be organized though the collaboration of R&D Sinarmas, LIPI, Kyoto University (G-COE), the University of Riau (Research Center) and KSDA (Forest Department). It was hoped by this time the MOU will be agreed.

(Retno Kusumaningtyas)

Date: October 21(Tue.) 16:00～18:00PM
Venue:E207, 2nd of East Building, CSEAS, →Venue Change     Research Building No.2 (Formerly Engineering Bldg No.4), AA401


Presentation:
1. Shigeo Kobayashi（Professor, ASAFAS）
2. Koji Tanaka（Professor, Center for Integrated Area Studies)
3. Shuichi Kawai (Professor, RISH)

1) Introduction of Riau site
The site is located in and surrounding the wildlife reserve of Giam Siak Kecil and Bukit Batu, Riau province, Sumatra, Indonesia. The area is a unique mosaic of 2 protected areas connected by reservation forest (natural forest) of a timber plantation concession affiliated with Sinar Mas Forestry, surrounded by a timber and oil palm plantation. The total area or 78,000 ha is now being proposed as an area for Biosphere Reserved management pioneered by UNESCO. Focusing on this site, the Initiatives 3 proposed a collaboration in research between Kyoto University, the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), the Ministry of Forestry (Dept of Forestry), and Sinar Mas Forestry. Detail on the proposal is explained in the attachment.

(16:15-16:45)
Presenter: Prof. Shigeo Kobayashi (Graduate School of Asian and African Studies, ASAFAS) Title: Global Warming in Southeast Asia: suppression of swampland and resource management options for community empowerment

The main location for this research was actually located not far from the Initiatives 3 proposed research site in Riau Province. In comparison with the peat lands/wetlands in Africa and Latin America, the wetlands of Southeast Asia have many chemical and physical characteristics (pH, followed by a low potassium nitrate, nitrogen and porous). These characteristic are very difficult for land management/land use. There is still a lot that needs to be known about how to manage the peat, how to provide sustainable land use management of wetlands, or what the wise way to use the wetland continually is. Central government and local government together with businesses, scientists who help the local people to manage/use this wetland area need to consider some important measures to make sure of the sustainability of the management of wetlands.

(16:45-17:15)
Presenter: Prof. Koji Tanaka (Center for Integrated Area Studies, CIAS)
Title: Peat-swamp lowland and agricultural exploitation in Pulau Kijang, Riau Province: A quarter century ago

When choosing a research site, it is necessary to understand the geography and history of the area. The population of Riau Province mainly came from the Minangkabau area in the early 19th century. They used to practice rubber tree cultivation in hill areas and managed rice fields. Later, people from other areas such as Java and Bugis also came and settled in the area. These people cultivate farmland which includes rice cultivation and coconut plantation. At present, local land disputes and problems are occurring in Riau province as well as other places in Indonesian forests. Sinar Mas operations in the area also often faced with a conflict of interest and land disputes. The wetland of Riau is also rich in oil source. Research activities should not neglect these issues and also should consider the benefit to be involved in forestry research in the area.

(17:15-17:45)
Presenter: Prof. Suichi Kawai (Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, RISH)
Title: Seeking the sustainable development of tropical peat swamp area.

Is the sustainable development of wetland/peat land possible? Humans have managed and tried to restore the condition of the environment of peat land. How to implement reforestation activities that receive the support from local people is a challenge. A research site in Thailand gives an example of this activity. The natural forest is maintained in the Preservation Zone located in the center of the peat land. Local people are allowed to take some necessary goods from the forest while maintaining the sustainability of the trees at the Buffer Zone. Farm-products such as oil palm as well as rice fields are managed in the Development Zone. There are also small-scale timber industries utilizing Melaleuca timber. The Melaleuca vegetation is a common species found in the peat land. The local people combine Melaleuca pulp with cement to make a board for their walls and roofs in the process of house construction.

( Retno Kusumaningtyas )

Date: July 22(Tue.) 2008 14：00～17：00PM
Venue:W306, Faculty of Agliculture, Kyoto University
http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/access/campus/map6r_n.htm

Presentation:
Masahide KashioM
(Forest Resources Officer, FAO, Center for Asia-Pacific Area Studies, Bangkok)

Lecture I (14:00-15:30)

FAO is the United Nation Food and Agriculture Organization, which was established in 1945. Its work focuses on a broad range of food issues and agricultural institutions, including livestock farming, fisheries and forestry.

In forestry issues the work of FAO revolves around forest resource management and trends in forestry. FAO tries to improve forest management for different purposes, promoting protection of remaining natural forests by implementing national park systems for wildlife protection.

The definition of what a forest is:
Forests have been defined in many ways. This is a reflection of the diversity of forests and forest ecosystems in the world and of the diversity of human approaches to forests. FAO defines the forest as a land area of more than 0.5 ha, with a tree canopy cover of more than 10%, which is not primarily under agricultural or other specific non-forest land use. In the case of young forests or regions where tree growth is climatically suppressed, the trees should be capable of reaching a height of 5 m in situ, and of meeting the canopy cover requirement. Man-made forests and bamboo forests are part of this definition.

The type of forests found in the Asia Pacific Region: Various factors such as altitude and climate zones create transitional stages of natural species, composition, etc. resulting in different types of forests.

The historical evolution of forest management:
Before the colonial period, local people lived in a subsistence economy. During colonial times, many colonizing countries exploited the economic value of forests through tea and rubber plantations. In the period after the Second World War, countries such as Burma, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and others, desperately needed funds to establish themselves as newly independent countries. For this purpose, logging activities and land conversion were started, to finance the countries` development as well as for food production.

Forest degradation and forest loss:
In the last 40 to 50 years, the forest has decreased rapidly. In this, we are facing an unprecedented event. Recent trends in forest resources are geared towards forest products and industrial forests. In Indonesia, a development-based economy has been started only 13 years after forest degradation first started to appear in natural forests. Many forest area conversions into farmlands, small-scale rubber plantations as well as large-scale plantation agriculture occurred. As a result, changes in land use, degradation in water-holding capacity of soil, and slope failures were seen everywhere. The mineral mining activities further increase the pressures of sustainability of natural forested areas.

Present and future:
There is rapid loss in the area covered by tropical forests. Few virgin forests remain in the Asia region.

Stable food self-sufficiency:
Japan's food self-sufficiency rate is 20 to 30 percent. Self-sufficiency of rice is believed to be 100%. But if we look at this matter more closely, the dependence on oil and fossil fuels for pesticides and agricultural machineries means that Japan's rice farming can collapse with a depletion of fossil fuels.

Sustainable natural resource management:
A shift policy in this issue is essential.

Note: FAO publishes global forest information of many different countries. However, the numerical accuracy presented is different for each country.

Lecture II (15:45-17:00)

Latest field survey of FAO project sites

The first site is formed by the villages of the tsunami-damaged Aceh coastal area. In December 2002, this area was damaged by a big tsunami wave. This project is aimed at providing recovery and development assistance. In this project, the Japanese government invested 400 million dollar in reforestation activities along the coastline.

During the survey, several problems were found in the implementation of the project, such as the fact that many planted seedling could not grow as expected. When the survey team investigated the caused of the planting failures, they found simple problems but very essential for the project result. The planters did not seem to understand how to plant the seedlings properly. The seedlings were planted without removing their poly-bag, so there was no room for the roots to grow. Another problem was found in the seedling material itself. The medium used for the seedling to grow was clay soil that becomes hard in the hot weather. This medium is very unfavorable for the seedling to grow healthily. From this experience FAO realized that it is still necessary to improve the supervision and guidance for the project execution in the field.

Present condition of Indonesian mangrove forests:
Indonesia is one of the countries that have a fast area of mangrove forests. However, recently these mangrove forests (particularly sea water mangrove forest) have seen a rapid decline due to the development of fish farms. In the village of the project site for instance, there used to be a ring of mangrove forest on the coastline. But in the years preceding the tsunami disaster, the villagers cut down those mangrove trees to produce calk coal. In this region, reclamation has been conducted, but the survival rate of the seedlings has only been 20 percent. Problems mentioned previously are the main cause for this failure.

Conclusion:
Every country wants economic prosperity. Environmental issues are global issues. Many interests are involved in this. Many refuse to hear of the challenges/problems until these problems come very close to affecting their daily live. Learning from the past or from lessons learned by other people is still very difficult, most only learn by experiencing the problems themselves. FAO research is conducted to find ways to improve people’s livelihood. From the experiences in Indonesian projects, the major challenge is to implement modernization and development that coexists harmoniously with nature for achieving environmental protection and conservation.

(Retno Kusumaningtyas)

Date:June25, 2008 (Wed.), 16:00 - 19:00PM 
Venue:E107, 1st floor of East Building, CSEAS

Presentation:
1. Shoko Kobayashi (G-COE Researcher, CSEAS)
    Osamu Kosan (G-COE Assistant Professor, CSEAS)
    Yoshiharu Omura (Professor, RISH)
    Shuichi Kawai (Professor, RISH)

2. Shigeo Kobayashi (Professor, ASAFAS)
    Kosuke Mizuno (Professor, ASAFAS)

3. Takashi Watanabe (Professor, RISH)
    Yasunori Ohashi (Mission Researcher, RISH)
    Takahisa Hayashi (Associate Profesor, RISH)
    Kosuki Mizuno (Professor, CSEAS)
    Retno Kusumaningtyas (Researhcer, CSEAS)

4. Toshiaki Umezawa (Professor, RISH)
    Rumi Kaida (Researcher, RISH)
    Shiro Suzuki (Assistant Professor, RISH)

5. Motoko Fujita (G-COE Reseacher)
    Fumikazu Ubukata (G-OE Assitant Professor, CSEAS)

6. Koji Tanaka (Professor, CSEAS)
    Masaaki Okamoto (Associate Professor, CSEAS)
    Motoko Shimagami (Professor, Center for Integrated Area Studies)
    Motoko Fujita (G-COE Researhcer)
    Noboru Ishikawa (Associate Professor, CSEAS)

RISH and CSEAS are endeavoring to conduct collaborative research at the same site. Previously RISH had already been conducting research at the MHP site; however MHP had not been available to host CSEAS at their plantation site. Currently Prof. Kawai and Prof. Mizuno are still searching for the perfect site. The possibilities of conducting collaborative research spanning a period of 2 years will be explored and discussed.

1. Shigeo Kobayashi:
The impact on soil of thinning/logging inside timber plantation site. This study is conducted at teak plantations in Thailand and Indonesia.

2. Shoko Kobayashi:
Study on carbon dynamic by using remote sensing technology. The study will analyze satellite imagery of the current MHP plantation site.

3. Osamu Kozan:
Using Radar monitoring for vegetation research.

4. Koisuke Mizuno:
(1) Study on the impact of big scale timber plantations on the local community in the peat-land areas of Indonesia.
(2) Jatropha as an alternative source to create bio-energy? Analyzes small- scale mixed garden producing Jatropha as a bio-fuel source.

5. Takashi Watanabe:
Study on the current status and trend of the development of bioethanol (the project site is in Indonesia).

6. Takahisa Hayashi:
Asia joint bio-fuel development. The study proposes a scenario of Bio-ethanol development in Indonesia.

7. Retno Kusumaningtyas:
Integrating industry based bio-ethanol production from timber with traditional local community crop production in Indonesia. The research is about assessing the possibility of integrating local community agroforestry with the bio-ethanol industry based on Paraserianthes falcataria in Indonesia.

8. Wil de Yong:
Balancing Tropical Forest Property - Regulatory - Support Regimes The presentation emphasized the importance of the governance of forest resources. The research will be conducted by comparing forest policy and governance of natural resources in a number of countries in South America and Southeast Asia.

9. Koji Tanaka:
Study on community based mixed species garden: ecological and policy perspectives.

10. Ishikawa Noboru:
Study on local communities surrounding plantation areas in Sarawak, Kalimantan, and Sumatra.

11. Motoko Fujita:
Study on biodiversity in acacia plantation. Current research focuses on the avian species.

12. Fumikazu Ubukata:
Biodiversity conservation from the social perspective. Budget applied for travel expenses for two years is about 1 million yen.

13. Shirou Suzuki:
Study on tropical acacia breeding.

14. Rumi Kaida:
Fast-growing tropical tree breeding improvement. This research is concerned with the improvement of value added timber for the local community.

(Retno Kusumaningtyas)

Date:May 22, 2008 (Thu.)
Venue:Web Meeting

The Initiative 3 seminars don’t select a single investigation point and aim to conduct research projects based on each field station, whilst also maintaining a focus on the promotion of collaborative research, we especially promote the development of inter-disciplinary research/study.

In addition, we focus on research themes not simply to specify issues regarding industrial forests, but to study forest plantations related with coverage of convertible forests, sightseeing forests, economical forests and various other forests. We hope to formulate a paradigm for the transformation of a sustainable humanosphere for the forest plantation.

The following research themes have been discussed during the Initiative 3 seminars.
1. The problems of global warming
2. The problems of the land in the forest plantation
3. The partnership and key stakeholders
4. The conservation of biodiversity
5. The economic effect on local peoples and communities
6. The competition with food
7. The relationship between Japan and Southeast Asia

In the next seminar we look forward with anticipation for the introduction of your research projects.

 (Takahisa Hayashi)

Date:May 9, 2008 (Fri.)
Venue:Web Meeting

The Initiative 3 seminars don’t select a single investigation point and aim to conduct research projects based on each field station, whilst also maintaining a focus on the promotion of collaborative research. We regularly plan to release the results of practical research from the field work.

In addition, with regards to the research projects for the various themes based on the field station of the industrial forest plantation, we intend to discuss them at the seminars of paradigm formulation. For example those discussions include research into gene recombination and ecologists, research development of the industrial forests and the environmentalists, as well as the practical studies and the virtual studies.

(Takahisa Hayashi)

Date:April 21, 2008 (Mon.), 14:00 - 16:00PM 
Venue:Room 407, 4th floor of Common Building, CSEAS

Presentation:
1. Retno Kusmaningtyas (Reseachers, CSEAS)

2. Takayuki Hayashi (Associate Professor, RISH)

3. Organization Structure

1. Retno Kusumaningtyas
・Report on preliminary field visit at Asia Pulp and Paper plantation in South Sumatra
・Research Proposal on: Understanding socio-economic development of the local community in relation to the pulp and paper industries of Sumatra, Indonesia

2. Takahisa Hayashi
・Discussions on the joint research between RISH and CSEAS in Indonesia. Possibilities and challenges in establishing a joint research at one particular site by both organizations were discussed.
・Possibilities of acquiring additional research fund by applying research grand from New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization. Members of Initiatives 3 who interested to joint this effort are asked to fill out the application forms.

(Retno Kusumaningtyas)

Date:March 13, 2007 (Thu.) 17：30-19：00PM
Venue:E207, 2nd of East Building, CSEAS

Presentation:
Tetsuya Shimamura (Professor, CSEAS)

Date: February 18,2008 (Mon.) 13：30-15：30PM
Venue: Room HW525, Uji Campus, RISH

Presentation:
Naoyuki Yamashita (Faculty Gruduate School of Agriculture, Ph.D.Candidate)

Date: Janurary 7, 2008 (Mon.) 13:00 - 15:00PM
Venue: Room 409, Common Building, CSEAS

Presentation:
Shuichi Kawai (Professor, RISH)
Ragil Widyorini (RISH)
Bambang Subiyanto (LIPI)
Eko Bhakti Hardiyanto (Gadjah Mada University)
Anita Firmanti (RIHS)
Rosyid Gunawan (MHP)
Tri Suryanti (MHP)
Agus Wicaksono (MHP)

Date: December 6 (Thu.) - 7(Fri.)，2007
Venue:Royal City Hotel, Bangkok

Title:"Private Faces of Power and Institutions in Southeast Asia ".

December 6

10.00 AM - 12.00 AM: Plenary Session

Opening Speech:

• Professor Anon Boonyaratavej, Secretary to the NRCT
• Professor Kou Ikejima, Director of JSPS Bangkok Office
• Professor Kosuke Mizuno, Director of CSEAS, Kyoto University

Keynote Speech:

• Professor Benedict Anderson: "Are networks and extended families the enemies of serious democracy in SEA Asia- The crisis of political parties"
• Professor Surapon Nitikraipot: "Globalization and Asian Societies"

12.00 AM - 1.30 PM: Lunch

Room 1 Project 7: "Social Resistance and Good Governance"

1.30 PM - 3.00 PM: Individual Paper (30 min/each)

• Naruemon Thabechumpon (Chulalongkorn University) on anti-dam movements
• Nalinee Tanthuwanit (Thammasat University) on anti-dam movements
• Krisada Boonchai (Thammasat University) on community environmental movements

3.15 PM- 4.30 PM: Comments by:

• Fumio Nagai (Osaka City University)
• Junko Hoshi (University of Tokyo)

Discussion

Room 2 Project 8: "Changing Families"

1.30 PM - 4.30PM: Individual Papers "Families": Internal Workings and Cultural Reproduction

• Kwanchewan Buadaeng: "The Ancestor Spirit Cults and Family Relation: Case of Karens in Northern Thailand"
• Yoko Hayami: "Family" and Cultural Reproduction against Mobility and Transience: Three cases of Karen across the border"
• Yunita Wiharto: The Persisting and Changing Family in Java: Empowering Women, Changing Power Relations-
• Aroonrut Wichienkeo: (Short introduction on Northern Thai manuscripts and reference to family-related issues)

Discussion

Room 3 Project 9(1): "Comparative Asian Economic History: Institutions and Environment

1.30PM - 4.30PM

• Kaoru Sugihara: "Labor-intensive Industrialization in Global History: Some thoughts on Southeast Asia"
• Porphant Ouyyanont: "Cheap Labor and the Industrialization of Bangkok after 1945"
• Somboon Siriprachai: "The Postwar Economic Development in Thailand: An Overview"
• Koichi Fujita: "Worlds Apart: Peasants in Japan and Agricultural Laborers in Bangladesh"
• Mya Than: "Myanmar's Agriculture in Historical Perspective"

Discussion

Note: other committed participants include Professor Kenta Goto and Professor Pasuk Pongpaichit

4.45PM -6.00PM: Joint Discussion of the 3 Projects (Introduction of each session)

6.30PM: Dinner Hosted by Prof.Dr. Surapon Nitikraipot (Rector of Thammasat University)

Room 1 Project 7: "Social Movements"

9.00 AM - 10.15AM: Individual Papers (30 min/each, except Prof. Somchai, 15 min)

• Boonlert Visetpricha (Thammasat University) on homeless issues
• Somchai Phathananunth (Thammasat University) on farmer's movements
• Dianto Bachriadi (Agrarian Resource Center, Indonesia) on land occupation issues

10.15AM - 11.30AM: Comments by:

• Fumikazu Ubukata (Kyoto University)
• Teresa E. Tadem (University of the Philippines)

11.30AM - 12.30PM: Individual Papers (30 min/each)

• Fumikazu Ubukata (Kyoto University): "Let's Get Villagers Involved in: "The Strategic shift of Raw Material Procurement and Its Consequences in the Thai Pulp Industry"
• Teresa E. Tadem (University of the Philippines): "Localizing and Transnationalizing Governance and Democratization: The anti-globalization campaigns in the Philippines and Thailand on anti-globalization campaign"

Discussion

Room 2 Project 8: "Changing Families"

9.00AM - 12.00AM: Individual Papers "Transnational Families"

• Odine de Guzman: "Families in Transition: International Labor Migration, Gender and the Romance of the ‘Filipino Family'.
• Ratana Boonmatya
• Patcharin Lapanun: "Perception and Negotiation: Transnational Marriage and Local Isan Villagers"
• Wu Xiao An

Discussion

Room 3 Project 9(2): "Political Networks in Asia"

9.00AM - 12.00AM

• Onimaru Takeshi: "What we try to do in political networks in Asia"
• Hisasue Ryoichi: " The bank of Canton" in Sun Yat-Sen's Revolutionary Movement, Fund Raising and Overseas Chinese Networks"
• Joel Ariate
• Zuraida Mae D. Cabilo: " From Supermarket Shelves to the Halls of Policaymaking: The Philippines Fair Trade Forum (PFTF) as a political network"
• Sharon Quinsaat

Discussion

Note: other committed participants include Dr. Nobuhiro Aizawa

12.00AM - 1.30PM: Lunch

1.30PM - 5.00PM: Afternoon Session (separate sessions in 3 rooms)

Room 1 Project 7: "Social Movements"

1.30PM - 2.15PM: Individual Papers (15 min/each)

• Junko Hoshi (University of Tokyo): "The Community-based anti-dam movement under democratization and nationalism: The transition of social movement in Meinung, Taiwan"
• Kosuke Mizuno (Kyoto University) on labor movement
• Hetifah Sjaifudian (Akatiga-Center for Social Analysis, Indonesia) on citizen forum

2.15PM - 3.30PM: Comments by:

• Naruemon Thabechumpon (Chulalongkorn Univeristy)
• Masaaki Okamoto (Kyoto University)

Discussion

3.30PM-5.00PM: Individual Papers (30 min/each)

• Fumio Nagai (Osaka City University) on local government in the aging society
• Je Seong Jeon (Chonbuk National University, South Korea) on Korean connection in the movement

5.00PM - 6.00PM: Comments by:

• Kosuke Mizuno (Kyoto University)
• Vienrat Nethipo (Chulalongkorn University)

Discussion

Room 2 Project 8: "Changing Families"

1.30PM- 3.30PM: Individual Papers on "Family, Law and Ideology"

• Sulistyowati Irianto: "Changing Legal Position of Women in Inheritance with gendered perspective in Law (Case study among the Batak Women in Indonesia"
• Koizumi Junko (Kyoto University): "Family and Inheritance in Siam: Legal, Reforms, and Court case in the late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries (provisional)"
• Chalidaporn Songsampan (Thammasat University): "Private Family, Public Contestation: Debates on Sexuality and Marriage in the Thai Parliament"
• Yeh Chienwei (Ibaragi University)

3.45PM - 4.45PM: Individual Papers on "Privatized Space and Public Power"

• Patricio Abinales: "Violence in the Golden Ghetto and the Unraveling of the Filipino Elite Family"
• Chalong Soontravanich

5.00PM - 6.00PM: Integration and Discussion

6.30PM: Dinner Hosted by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Chulacheeb Chinwanno (Vice Rector for International Affairs, Thammasat University)

Date: November 30, 2007
Venue: University of Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia

Presentation:
１．Mizuno Kosuke (Prof. CSEAS)
"Forestry Model of Sustainable Humanosphere: the Case of a Sumatran Community"

2.  Prof. Fachrurrozie Sjakowi
" WELCOME TO THE ‘HTI’ PROVINCE OF SOUTH SUMATRA"

Date: November 30, 2007
Venue: NGO　Walhi, Palembang, Indonesia

Date: November 29, 2007
Venue: Musi Hutan Persada, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Title: " The presentaion of Musai Hutan Persada in South Sumatra, Indonesia"

Presentation:
1．Kawai Shuichi
"Collaborative research project among Kyoto Univ. LIPI and MHP Sustainable Forest Management, Forest Products and Regional Environment"

2. Mizuno Kosuke
"In Search of Sustainable Humanosphere in Indonesia- Forestry Model of Sustainable humanosphere in Sumatra, Indonesia"

Date: Novermber 19, 2007
Venue: HW525, Uji Campus, Kyoto Univerity

Date: October 26, 2007
Venue: E207, 2nd of East Building, CSEAS

Date: 5 Oct ，2007
Venue: E207, 2nd floor of East Building, CSEAS

Presentation:

 First, Yano Hiroyuki explained the approach taken by the Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH). He briefly introduced ten projects, ranging from acacia breeding to atmospheric observations in the industrial plantation forestry in Palembang on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. Then, Kono Yasuyuki explained the overall G-COE project and the significance of the research initiatives. Yanagisawa Masayuki and Mizuno Kosuke gave presentations on Initiative Projects 2 and 3, focusing mainly on hardware (such as the allocation method for research expenses, various benefits of the research, duties of the project members in terms of research findings and meeting participation. Hayashi Takahisa explained the issues relating to Initiative Project 3 and the strategy for acquiring external funds. Yano asserted that conducting specific research on plantation forests under Initiative 2 and Initiative 3 would open the door for practical interdisciplinary studies. He rightly argued that rather than having discussions such as, “It’s neither this nor that,” there is a need for a space where the humanities and science can be integrated in practice. In the second part, “Networking Session between researchers belonging to RISH and the Unit, and researchers in area studies” RISH mission researcher Fujita Motoko spoke passionately on the policy of carrying out research on the biodiversity of birds living in the plantation forest. This was followed by many questions, discussions and suggestions from the floor. Tanaka Koji then presented a summary of the activities of a community that pioneered the mixing of perennial crops in a forest park in Lampung, Sumatra. This activity can serve as a model for plantation forestry in Indonesia. The session became a promising initial “meeting place” for researchers in both the humanities and sciences to find partners.

(Hayashi Takahisa)

Date:September 25, 2007

・PROGRAM

Date: September 3 2007
Venue: E101, 1st floor of East Building, CSEAS

Date: 25 Aug ，2007
Venue: RISH

Presentation:
 At the 16th meeting for the presentation of research papers held by the Indonesia Students Association in Japan, Kawai Shuichi of the Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH) and Mizuno Kosuke of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) gave keynote speeches. Kawai introduced the concept of humanosphere and the activities of G-COE in Indonesia, and in a presentation titled “A New Direction for Development and Strategy in Indonesia, and the Japan-Indonesia Relationship,” Mizuno first gave an overview of the past development strategy in Indonesia, and proposed promoting the sustainable humanospheric industry as a new direction for development incorporating bountiful resource elements such as solar light, biodiversity and local knowledge rather than manpower and natural resources.

(Mizuno Kosuke)

Date: 2 Aug ，2007
Venue: RISH

Presentation:

1. The acacia project (comprehensive project on plantation forests); assessment of biodiversity, analysis of carbon and water circulation (environment); evaluation of biomass production (production); application of resources and energy (application)
2. Formulation of a sustainable humanosphere database, spatiotemporal database system using methods such as GIS
3. Integration with EAR; lower, middle and upper atmosphere
4. Development of new energy and resources in other regions

Following that, Mizuno gave a report titled “Regional Social Sciences of Acacia Forest Management.”

1. In order to minimize the risks stemming from the monoculture management of Acacia forest,
2. By maximizing the characteristics of small-scale polyculture management,
3. There is a need to create a sustainable forest system where surrounding forests are multilayered, multifaceted, complex, based on mixed planting and providing job diversity,
4. Furthermore, he gave a report regarding the strategy, organization and institutions involved in making this possible.

In his presentation, “Role Assessment on Forests in the Tropics in Relation to Water and Carbon Circulation,” Tani presented a study on contributions to formulating a sustainable symbiotic paradigm with forests in the tropical humanosphere by continuously observing yearly changes in the responses of water and carbon circulation.

(Mizuno Kosuke)

Date: 26 - 28 Jul.2007
Venue: Institute of technology Bandung, Indonesia

Title: The 10th Kyoto University International Symposium “Active Geosphere Science”

Organizer：KAGI

http://kagi.coe21.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/meetings/KyodaiSympo/Kyodai10SympoTopH.html

Presentation:
 Kawai Shuichi of the Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH) and Mizuno Kosuke of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) at Kyoto University participated in the panel discussion held on the 28th. Kawai introduced the concept of the humanosphere, and Mizuno discussed the issues that had been made visible through the integration of atmosphere and climate research with regional studies, such as the links between crisis avoidance behaviors of Indonesian farmers and the dramatically changing and difficult-to-predict tropical climate.

(Mizuno Kosuke)