Building upon the AIACC Project 1. Two Scenarios: 

•A Second phase AIACC will not take place •A Second phase AIACC will exist 

If AIACC-2 does not take place, it will be very difficult to maintain the network, and even the multidisciplinary teams.  Assume a Second phase will take place

 2.    AIACC Second Phase:  How? Two alternatives: a.     Each research group seeks for funding from traditional sources but continue being part of the AIACC networkb.    Continue with an AIACC central structure.  Option “b” is better:  • LAC traditional sources are scarce

• These workshops (exchange results, methods, multidisciplinary approaches, get exposed to impacts and adaptation in different sectors)

• Coordinated training

Therefore, strengthen AIACC for 2nd Phase.

2.1. What? Change orientation? Move away from Impacts and Adaptation?

Continue and build upon the AIACC first stage.BUT: emphasize outputs that are more relevant and useful for policy making

2.2 Same research teams?

After 3 years, multidisciplinary teams are now being really integrated (as opposed to each sub-group working in their own disciplines).

BUT: try to incorporate new countries that were not represented in AIACC phase 1. Encourage participation of new countries in existing research groups but do not make it a requirement (often seeking for geographical balance results in hurting scientific performance).

Have a new call for peer-reviewed proposals. Existing research teams have the advantage of: (a) evidence of ability to produce relevant outputs, (b) evidence of ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Be realistic when communicating expectation: newly incorporated countries and/or groups will likely produce less outputs than teams that have been working for three years. Emphasize training and capacity building in the new countries/institutes.

2.3 Improve Regional Coordination.

Take advantage of other existing activities and organizations. The clearest is IAI: several researchers in both AIAC and IAI, 2005 call for CRN (IAI), IAI is seeking for Integrated Assessments.

2.4 Training and Capacity Building in AIACC-2

Must be a key component (especially if new countries and institutions will be incorporated).

BUT: Take full advantage of established capacities in the region (e.g., Climate in South Africa) as opposed to concentrating activities away from the region like in AIACC-1

2.5 Stress the unique niche of AIACC contributing to National Communications (should increase chances of accessing to funds)

2.6 Organize a separate event within COP-10 (December 2004, Buenos Aires). e.g., Science-oriented event on Adaptations for a wide audience.

3. Other possibilities

3.1 GEF funds (US$ 50M) for projects oriented to piloting and demonstrating adaptation (not research). Must be able to measure success. (Most AIACC-1 could establish this type of demonstration project).

3.2 Several projects identified availability of data as a limiting factor: Explore GEF funds to improve observations