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Tropical Forest Research Network |
6th Framework Programme EC DG RESEARCH 2002-2006
The European Commission launched its 6th Framework Programme for Research (FP6) in November 2002. The total budget is 17.5 billion Euro. The programme is intended to strengthen larger-scale research integration and co-operation in Europe, reduce fragmentation in research and improve links between science and society. Two new funding instruments have been included in FP6: Networks of Excellence (NoE) and Integrated Projects (IP). Information on these and all other FP6 instruments, such as Specific Targeted Research Projects (STREPs) can be found at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/networks-ip.html
Within the FP6 there are funding opportunities for forest research in the tropics, subtropics and Mediterranean. The most relevant areas in FP6 are thematic sub-priority 1.1.6.3 'Global Change and Ecosystems' and special programme 1.10 'Specific measures in support of International Cooperation' (INCO). However, also other thematic priorities, special programmes and structuring activities provide funding possibilities for forest research.
Please note the following first calls for proposals, published 17 Dec 2002, on http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/calls.htm
1.1.6.3 Global Change
and Ecosystems:
Closes 8 April 2003, 17:00 hrs (Brussels time)
The following themes in the call may be of specific interest; the funding instrument is given between brackets:
6.3.I.6.a Adaptation and mitigation strategies (NoE or IP) focus on strategic policy options in the context of international agreements on global change; IPCC recommendations; quantitative asessment of adaptive capacity and vulnerability of natural and human systems to climate change; effective science - policy linkages
6.3.III.1.1 Developing a network for European long-term terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem research, based on existing facilities (NoE)
6.3.III.1.3 Developing genomic approaches to enable the understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem structures and dynamics (NoE or IP)
6.3.III.2.1 Generating models of socio-economic impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems (STREPs and Coordination actions - CAs)
6.3.III.4.1 Assessing large-scale environmental risks to biodiversity and to terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, including biological invasions (also by pathogens), climate change, environmental chemicals, rate and extent of loss of pollinators (NoE or IP)
6.3.IV.1.a Research on mechanisms of desertification and soil quality (STREPs and CAs) includes developing and demonstrating ecotechnological innovation; methods and tools for landcare
6.3.V.2.2.a Development and application of integrated approach and tools for long-term sustainability of forest status and productivity (NoE or IP) - role and impact of the complete forestry-wood chain in the context of the EU sustainable development strategy taking into account the multifunctionality aspects, including the regional and international dimensions and the societal needs
6.3.VIII - Cross cutting issue: Sustainable development concepts and tools:
6.3.VIII.1.a Harmonising and sharing of methods and data in environmental and health externalities evaluation; extraction of operational estimates from existing studies (on thresholds of sustainability and externalities) (STREPs and CAs)
6.3.VIII.2.a High level scientific validation of methodologies, tools and appraisals developed for the sustainable development assessment and strategy definition (STREPs and CAs)
6.3.VIII.2.b Indicators: sharing and harmonising databases and statistics and building consensus on combined ecological, environmental and social indicators to be used to monitor progress towards sustainable development at different geographical levels (STREPs and CAs)
The following topics for Specific Support Actions, formerly Accompanying measures, will be considered for funding in 2003:
10. Specific measures
in support of international cooperation:
Closure: 11 September 2003 17:00 hrs (Brussels time)
A. Developing Countries
A.2.1 Managing humid and semi-humid Ecosystems - includes research on ecosystem dynamics to develop policy options and management strategies; focus on: opportunities for enhanced economic productivity and limits to sustainable production; sustainable water management at river basin scale; forest ecosystem restoration and reclamation techniques.
A.2.2 Reconciling multiple demands on coastal zones includes ecosystem research.
Call for Independent Experts for Evaluation of Proposals and monitoring and reviewing of projects:
http://www.cordis.lu/experts/fp6_candidature.htm
For further information on FP6, including a downloadable guide on participating in the sixth framework programme; the full text of all five specific programmes in 11 languages; and FAQs, please see http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/index_en.html
ETFRN News
ETFRN and the UK's DFID-FRP are organising an information meeting in Brussels on February 4, 2003 on EC funding sources for forest research in the tropics, subtropics and Mediterranean, focussing on FP6 in particular.
For information, please contact the ETFRN Coordination Unit.