Discovery Issue 33
Diverse locations - April 2011
In this issue
We live in turbulent times
In recent months we have witnessed record commodity prices, some of the largest ever recorded weather storms, natural disasters and ‘people power’ in the streets of the middle east as its citizens struggle with, among other things, rising food and fuel prices.
Antarctica: monitoring soil climate in the Ross Sea Region
It’s considered by many to be the earth’s last frontier but work by Landcare Research in Antarctica is going some way to better understand and protect the environment there as well as further afield.
Antarctica: Environmental domains classification for the Ross Sea Region
Ice-free areas of Antarctica (most of which are soil forming) are the most biologically active and vulnerable terrestrial sites in the continent.
Asia: phytosanitary training
Developing countries are generally at a disadvantage when it comes to meeting international phytosanitary requirements for trade in agricultural commodities imposed by importing nations (usually developed countries). However, many aid donors recognise their obligation to ensure all nations have equal access to export markets.
Tonga: environmental impact assessment, Fiji-Tonga cable system
The development of many Pacific island countries has long been hampered by small and dispersed populations and vast ocean distances but Landcare Research scientists are helping to minimise what is often to referred to as the ‘digital divide’.
Central Asia: remote sensing in Uzbekistan
A Korean company undertaking oil and gas exploration in Uzbekistan needed expertise in mapping land use and land cover and, through contacts, knew of Landcare Research’s capabilities.
Europe: Fruit Logistica 2011, Germany
Two organisations in separate countries on opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean joined forces in Germany to further highlight the benefits of combining successful business and environmental stewardship.
Africa: Research in the Serengeti
Landcare Research wildlife ecologists regularly travel to diverse parts of the globe so when researchers from the Serengeti Biodiversity Programme asked for assistance, Lincoln-based Wendy Ruscoe and Andrea Byrom were only too happy to help.
South America: allies in biocontrol
In recent years South America has become an important ally in New Zealand’s efforts to control pest plants. Biocontrol is the use of insects or diseases to control these plants and researcher Hugh Gourlay says Landcare Research’s significant involvement in South America marks a monumental shift.
