CTA Seminar: Fourth and Fifth Day

The seminar has been closed this afternoon by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Hydraulics and Fisheries of the Republic of Burkina Faso. Before the closing ceremony, Prof MVK Sivakumar from the World Meteorological Organization read the Ouagadougou declaration, one of the outputs of the seminar. The declaration recommended many steps to addressing climate change. Among the principle recommendations are:
1. Urgent implementation of climate change adaptation measures in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries.
2. Ensure timely provision of agro-meteorological forecasts and products.
3. Develop rigorous research and policy analysis.
4. Ensure adequate and consistent funding for climate change adaptation.
5. Establish task forces in different ACP regions for follow-up actions.

Yesterday, the 30th October 2008, the participants divided themselves in three groups and visited three different sites where climate adaptation measures have been successful. The sites are between 15 and 30 km away from the city centre. I joined the biophysical group to visit the Manamfian forest. The site is located in the Northern part of Burkina Faso, about 26 km from Ouagadougou along the Ouagadougou – Ouahigouya road. This is an example of community management of a village project. According to the forest manager “commitment by the population alone is not enough. There is a need to develop common-agreed sanctions against offenders”.

For more information visit the seminar website

CTA Seminar: Second and Third Day

The second day has been the busiest day for the participants. Before this date, there were two important events: presentation of lead papers (cross cutting issues) chaired by Prof Sivakumar (WMO) and Panel session chaired by Rod Harbinson (Panos London). More about these sessions and summary of the first day activities visit the seminar webpage at http://ctaseminar2008.cta.int

The second day began by presentation of three papers under panel session on impact of livestock carbon emission on climate change. The session was chaired by DR Pierre Gerber from FAO. The session was followed by parallel sessions defined by the four themes of the seminar: cropping systems, agro-pastoral system, biophysical issues and socio-economic issues. More than 40 papers were presented in these sessions. Poster presentation followed with more than 20 posters available for the participants to read and get clarifications from the presenters. During this day, I had interview by Aveseh Asough of Radio Netherlands.

 

With Professor M.V.K. Sivakumar of WMO after my presentation. 

The third day began by presentation of information and communication strategies in a session chaired by Dr Neun, the Director of CTA. Six papers were presented and discussed by the participants. Details can be found from the seminar website. The early morning session was followed by working group session were participants in their theme groups worked on the theme specific outcomes expected from the seminar.