International Projects
Completed
Sustainable management of inland wetland ecosystems in Southern Africa: Inventory and land cover
For many years the need to avert water shortages has resulted in farmers in the Limpopo Basin in Southern Africa turning to wetlands for crop production. This study analysed the mix of agricultural (crop and livestock) and fisheries water use strategies in dambos and riverine swamps, and the trade-off’s among them as a tool to guide planning for wetland use and conservation. The focus of the study which ran from 20080-2009 was facilitating sustainable wetland management and development. It investigated wetlands in upper and lower catchments of the Limpopo basin. The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and Challenge Program for Water and Food funded this project which comprised an international research team including Prof Max Finlayson (ILWS), Dr Mutsa Masiyandima (IWMI, Pretoria, South Africa), Dr Matthew McCartney and Dr Lisa-Maria Rebelo (both at IWMI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) . The study presented information for making decisions about land and water use and sharing resources in the Limpopo basin in southern Africa. This project will result in firstly -the sustainable use of wetland resources for food production, secondly -sustainable livelihoods, and finally increased environmental security.
Northern connections - waterfowl movements in the tropics
This project investigated the movements and origins of birds moving between Australia and its near northern neighbours. By virtue of the fact that little is known of the detail of migratory connectivity or the biology of species that move between Australia and its northern neighbours this project was exploratory. Funded by an Australian Research Council Linkage Grant of $650,000. The research team consisted of David Roshier (ILWS), Robert Heinsohn (ANU) and Leo Joseph (CSIRO). The project ran from 2007 to 2009. Partners were the Department of Environment & Heritage, Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service, and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia. Link to Research in Progress summary
Reducing uncertainty in the Philippine rice industry
Prof. Kevin Parton together with colleagues from the South Australian Research and Development Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, and Visayas State University, modelled the value of Seasonal Climate Forecasts (SCF’s) in the context of predicting the size of the Philippine rice harvest. The value of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) project was $385,000 and ran from 2005 to 2009. Link to research in progress summary.
Communities' Informal Care and Welfare Practices
This project was aimed at promoting mutual learning, understanding and international exchange of innovative and replicable community informal care and welfare practices. Identifying, documenting and promoting the preservation and practice of community informal care and welfare practices across Asia-Pacific countries was a further aim. The project received $80,000 funding from the Japan Foundation Asia Centre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. The project was led by Associate Professor Manohar Pawar and ran from 2001-2006. Link to Research in Progress summary
Workforce capacity to respond to children of mentally ill parents: Australia and Canada
This project aimed to replicate Maybery and Reupert (2006) findings regarding Australian workers capacity to respond to children of parents with a mental illness in a large sample of Canadian mental health workers. Initial funding was obtained from a $150,000 grant from Vichealth, Beyond Blue and the Victorian Mental Health. The collaborators include Dr.D Maybery, (ILWS), Dr A Reupert, (CSU), Dr Lees & Dr Chovil, (Trinity Western University, BC Canada). The project timeline was from 2003 to 2008. Link to Research in Progress summary