Mar/02/1999

Research Activities in Japan

Relevant to Desertification Monitoring and Assessment

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atsushi Tsunekawa

Graduate School of Agricultural & Life Sciences

The University of Tokyo

1. Introduction

The framework of the Thematic Programme Network (TPN) can be traced back to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) agreed upon and signed in 1994. Compared to other international treaties or agreements related to environmental issues, the Convention put more importance on regional responses against desertification. Although the Convention prescribes global frameworks such as obligations of affected and developed country Parties and financial mechanisms, it also gives regional prescriptions such as “Subregional and regional action programmes” in Article 11 and “Regional implementation annexes” in Article 15, and aims to harmonize, complement and increase the efficiency of the national programmes by these regional and subregional frameworks.

Fortunately, in Asia quick and positive responses have being taken through the New Delhi Conference, the Beijing Ministerial Conference, and the Bangkok International Expert Group (IEG) Meeting. However the Japanese response, because of a delay in ratification of the Convention, has been not so positive, but following the ratification last year, Japan is expected to carry out its obligation as a developed country as prescribed in the Convention.

In retrospect, the New Delhi Conference held in August 1996 endorsed the concept of decentralized programme networks and the identification of cross cutting elements to be included in the programmes of each network. The Beijing Ministerial Conference held in May 1997 endorsed an approach for the preparation of the Regional Action Program (RAP) through the setting up of TPNs. In the Bangkok IEG Meeting held in November 1998, more details on each TPN were discussed, and a framework paper for TPN1 was prepared, which includes concrete items such as programs in the next five years and detailed suggested activities (Table 1).

To date, the information of activities of TPN1 have not been made fully available to the public at least in Japan, thus few people have sufficient knowledge and information on this matter. Considering this situation, the speaker aims to review and rearrange necessary information and provide it to participants, and provide a personal opinion on the future direction, which represents neither the Country nor the Organization, as a tentative idea to act as a basis for discussion.

2. Historical review on definition, evaluation and indicators of desertification

First, responses against desertification in the international community are reviewed with special attention to definition, evaluation and indicators of desertification.

In 1977, the United Nations Conference on Desertification (UNCOD) was held in Nairobi, triggered by a serious drought which struck Sahel regions in West Africa from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. At the Conference, desertification was defined as “the diminution or destruction of the biological potential of the land, and can lead ultimately to desert-like conditions.” and the status of desertification was evaluated. Although the Conference reminded people of the severity of the desertification problems, the UN statistical evaluation was often questioned by some scientists (Forse, 1989).

A review of the action against desertification was held in 1984, based on a questionnaire, regional assessments and case studies. However, the figures reported by UNEP were again exposed to criticism (Nelson, 1988; Forse, 1989).

As preparation for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in 1992, a new evaluation was carried out using a soil degradation database (GLASOD) to determine the severity of land degradation and climate database to determine the geographical extent of drylands (UNEP/GCSS, 1991).

“Recognizing the validity and relevance of decisions adopted at the UNCED”, the UNCCD was agreed upon and signed in 1994. In the UNCCD, desertification was defined as “land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities.” Here, climatic variations were included in factors with human activities.

As for indicators, the Convention refers to “evaluation indicators” in Article 9 (Preparation of national action programmes and implementation and evaluation indicators) and “integrated sets of physical, biological, social and economic indicators” in Article 16 (Information collection, analysis and exchange). The Convention also placed importance on assessment of the processes and effects of drought and desertification in Article 16 and in Annex II.

In the sessions by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for the UNCCD (INCD), “benchmarks and indicators” was reported in the tenth session held in New York in January 1997, which established a basis for the discussion thereafter on desertification benchmarks and indicators (A/AC.241/INF.4). “Indicators to measure the implementation of the Convention”, “Benchmarks”, and “Environmental impact indicators” were reviewed based on contributions from INCD members and international organizations, and future work on impact indicators was recommended.

In the first Conference of Parties (COP1) held in Rome in September 1997, ongoing work being done on benchmarks and indicators was reported in the Committee on Science and Technology (CST) and it summarized relevant work as “Indicators to measure the implementation of the Convention” and “Impact indicators” (ICCD/COP(1)/CST/3).

In the second Conference of Parties (COP2) held in Dakar in 1998, a report on benchmarks and indicators was prepared (ICCD/COP(2)/CST/3) for their discussion. It was recommended to initiate testing of the implementation indicators and to report it to the COP3, and also initiate testing of the impact indicators and report it to the COP3 for the affected African country Parties, and then to the COP4 for the other regions. It encouraged the Parties to identify a minimum group of countries, which are sufficiently representative of a number of applications, which will permit evaluation, and refinement of methodology within a maximum period of two years.

The above review suggests that;

(1) The definition and the method of evaluation have being criticized for vagueness and unclearness, while at the same time, efforts have been made to establish scientific and objective method to assess and monitor desertification and the Convention recognizes the significance of these efforts.

(2) The CST gives priority to benchmarks and indicators, and a part of it has already been initiated. Since the contents of TPN1 are closely related to benchmarks and indicators of desertification, its activity shall be promoted by paying attention to the relevant discussion in the CST.

3. Review on research activity in Japan relevant to SPAs

(1) Research activities related to SPA 1: Application of space-based technologies

1) Launch of satellites useful for desertification monitoring

Japan has been launching a number of satellites for the purposes of earth observation, meteorology, communication, and broadcasting etc., and four satellites of MOS-1/1b, JERS-1 and ADEOS are particularly useful for desertification monitoring (Table 2). Research and development of satellites involves many organizations such as the National Space Development Agency (NASDA), the Institute for Space and Astronautical Science of the Ministry of Education, and the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) of the Science and Technology Agency. The Remote Sensing Technology Center (RESTEC) is in charge of data distribution (Table 3).

2) Research activities on remote sensing

Research activities on remote sensing are promoted mainly at two academic societies; the Remote Sensing Society of Japan and the Japan Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Other relevant research and educational organizations include the Center of Environmental Remote Sensing, Chiba University, the Tokai University Research and Information Center, and the Center for Spatial Information Science, the University of Tokyo. The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan Environment Agency, has been archiving NOAA/AVHRR data in Asian regions from 1987, and distributing those datasets through GRID-Tsukuba.

3) Research articles related to desertification monitoring

Relevant studies on desertification monitoring using satellite remote sensing involve Tsunekawa & Fukuhara (1990) and Imagawa & Fukuhara (1997) using Landsat in Inner Mongolia, Oguro & Tsuchiya (1996) using SPOT in Taklimakan Desert, Morimura & Morimoto (1997) using NOAA in Central Asia, Tsunekawa et al. (1996) using NOAA in the Thar Desert, and Nishida & Shibata (1995) using Landsat in Niger.

4) Future direction

Along with the further development of satellites and sensors, information obtained by space-based technologies will increase rapidly and a strong Japanese contribution to this research field will be expected, as joint research with those affected countries being requested in the framework paper of TPN1. In particular, integrated desertification monitoring of remote sensing and field measurements will be of great value to clarify the physical and biophysical processes of desertification.

(2) Research activities related to SPA 2: Formulation of monitoring and evaluation indicators

Not so much research activity has been carried out on this field, however, Dr. Hiroshi Kadomura has been playing an important role in development of indicators in the Expert Group Meeting for a long time. The desertification research group in the NIES organized an international comparison study using indicator datasets on desertification in India, China, Kazakhstan and Thailand (Miyazaki & Tsunekawa, 1996).

As reviewed in the former section, benchmarks and indicators are now being discussed in the CST, and they are being tested in some countries. Thus, it is necessary to take consideration of the movement and develop a set of indicators appropriate for Asia, as regional impact indicators.

(3) Research activities related to SPA 3: Database and information management

1) The use of GIS and the Internet in Japan

Two information technologies; GIS and the Internet, are strongly related to this theme. The Japanese government has been keen to develop Digital National Land Information covering the whole of Japan, and also a variety of digital datasets concerning the natural environment by “Green Census” executed by the Japan Environment Agency from the early 1970s. Recently the number of GIS users in Japan has rapidly increased with the spread of commercial uses such as marketing research. Most research and administrative organizations are already making use of the Internet, and also most of them have their own web sites to make their information available to the public.

2) Research activities related to database and information management

The GIS Association of Japan (GISA) has been playing an important role as an academic forum for research and education on GIS. The major research and educational organizations related to geographical datasets of the natural environment are the Geographical Survey Institute (GSI) and the Biodiversity Center of Japan. GRID-Tsukuba located in the NIES was established in 1991 and distributes environmental datasets to scientists and policy-makers according to its mandate as a regional center of UNEP/GRID.

However, few database on desertification have been developed except for a Desertification Bibliography Database developed by the NIES (Miyazaki & Tsunekawa, 1995).

3) Future direction

The Secretariat of the UNCCD has a very useful web site and most information and digital documents can be downloaded from the site. As listed in the suggested activities, creation of web site is greatly needed. Each country or each focal point can set up its own web site and they can be linked to each other in a coordinationed manner, which will assist effective and decentralized activities.

(4) Research activities related to SPA 4: Capacity building and training program

We have UN organizations such as the United Nations University (UNU), the United Nations Center for Regional Development (UNCRD), and the UNEP-International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) in Japan which relate to capacity building and training. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is playing a major role in official development assistance (ODA) and has a broad range of programmes including technical cooperation by training in Japan and dispatch of Japanese experts. In the field of arid environment, the Arid Land Research Center of Tottori University is a national joint-use research institute, and is expected to be an academic and educational base for desertification research.

4. Conclusions

(1) Summary of the review on definition, evaluation and indicators of desertification

Establishing scientific and objective methods to assess and monitor desertification is a key subject. Since the CST is now discussing on benchmarks and indicators which are closely related to TPN1, the activities of TPN1 shall be linked to it.

(2) Summary of the review on the Japanese research activities related to SPAs

As for space based technologies, because Japan has vast achievements in satellite launching and data use of satellite images, it is requested that we make use of this experience and knowledge and promote joint research with affected countries.

As for indicators, through joint research with affected countries, it is necessary to develop regional impact indicators appropriate to Asian desertification, taking account of its unique conditions, as described in the Convention.

As for databases, Japan has strong potential in GIS technology and the Internet. Especially, the development of web sites is listed as one of suggested activities and Japan should create its own web site and help other countries to create their own web sites for desertification.

As for training, by asking for support from international, UN, and non-governmental organizations, Japan shall promote training and capacity building through training courses in Japan and the dispatch of experts.

(3) Suggestions

The speaker suggests the following items as emergent subjects to be taken by Japanese researchers and relevant organizations.

With regard to academic matters;

1) International joint research on integrated monitoring by remote sensing and field measurements

2) International joint research on impact indicators

3) Creation of Internet web sites for desertification

4) Direct and indirect support for training and capacity building

Important administrative aspects include;

5) Determination of domestic focal point in Japan for TPN1

6) Making a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on TPN1

7) Assisting international cooperation through holding of workshops, meetings and so on

8) Promotion of domestic cooperation in the field of desertification research

References

Forse, B. 1989. The myth of the marching desert. New Sci, 121-1650: 31-32.

Imagawa T, Fukuhara M, Watanabe T. 1997. A monitoring method of land cover/land use change in Naiman, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China using Landsat data. Japan Agricultural Research Quarterly (JARQ), 31, 163-169.

Interim Secretariat of the Convention to Combat Desertification. 1998. Framework paper for the establishment of the regional desertification monitoring and assessment network (TPN1) in Asia. Geneva: a document prepared for International Expert Group Meeting on the Regional Action Programmes for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Asia, 10-13 November 1998, Bangkok. 37 p.

Miyazaki T, Tsunekawa A, editors. 1995. Towards solving the global desertification (3) - Desertification bibliography database. Tsukuba: National Institute for Environmental Studies. Report nr F-74-'95/NIES. 227 p.

Miyazaki T, Tsunekawa A, editors. 1996. Towards solving the global desertification (4) - Research on the evaluation of interaction between desertification and human activities. Tsukuba: National Institute for Environmental Studies. Report nr F-91-'96/NIES. 127 p.

Morimura A, Morimoto Y. 1997. Analysis of seasonal changes of arid-semiarid vegetation of Central Asia using NOAA/AVHRR data. Environ Info Sci. 11, 171-176 (in Japanese with English abstract).

Nelson, R. 1988. Dryland management: the “desertification”problem. The world bank policy planning and research staff. Environ Dep 8:42.

Nishida K, Shibata K. 1995. Monitoring of desertification and possibility for agro-farming-forestry development. J JSDIDRE, 63, 483-488. (in Japanese).

Oguro Y, Tsuchiya K. 1996. Extraction of the desertified areas in oases in Taklimakan Desert through the analysis of SPOT image data. Journal of Arid Land Studies, 5, 163-172. (in Japanese with English abstract).

Tsunekawa A, Fukuhara M. 1990. Multi-temporal comparizon of biomass in Inner Mongolia, China, using Landsat data. Environ Info Sci. 19(1). 91-95. (in Japanese ).

Tsunekawa A, Miyazaki T, Kar A. 1996. Desert mapping using NOAA/AVHRR in Rajasthan, India. In: Singh RB, editor. Disasters, environment and development (Proceedings of International Geographical Union seminar, New Delhi, December 9-12, 1994). New Delhi: Oxford & IBH; 1996. 283-297.

UNEP/GCSS. 1991. Status of desertification and implementation of the United Nations Plan of action to combat desertification, 88 p.

United Nations. 1996. Report on going work being done on benchmarks and indicators. New York: Intergovernmental negotiating committee for the elaboration of an international convention to combat desertification in those countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa, tenth session, 6-17 January 1997. A/AC.241/INF.4, p 12.

United Nations. 1997. Report on ongoing work being done on benchmarks and indicators – Note by the secretariat. Rome: Committee on Science and Technology, Conference of the Parties, First Session, 29 September – 10 October 1997. ICCD/COP(1)/CST/3 (21 July 1997). p 4.

United Nations. 1997. Supplementary report on work on benchmarks and indicators - Note by the Secretariat. Rome: Committee on Science and Technology, Conference of the Parties, First Session, 29 September – 10 October 1997. ICCD/COP(1)/CST/3/Add.1 (25 July 1997). p 5.

United Nations. 1998. Benchmarks and indicators - Report of the Ad Hoc panel. Dakar: Conference of the Parties, Committee on Science and Technology, second session, 30 November - 11 December 1998. ICCD/COP(2)/CST/3/Add.1 (25 September 1998). p 7.

Table 1. Contents of framework paper of TPN1 (Interim Secretariat of CCD, 1998)

TPN1 action plan

Phase I: Mobilizing local institutions for the establishment of the national desertification monitoring and assessment network

Task 1: Defining the objectives of the national network

Task 2: Designate the focal institution that will become the national network for desertification monitoring and assessment

Task 3: Formulate a protocol of procedures for linking and networking with collaborating agencies

Task 4: Develop a programme of work for the national network

Phase II: Operationalizing the regional TPN1 for desertification monitoring and assessment

Task 5: Conduct a survey study to determine the state of the art of desertification

Task 6: Formalizing the network of focal institutions for desertification monitoring and assessment

Task 7: Developing the programme of activities for the regional TPN1

Task 8: Formulating the protocols and procedures for the regional TPN1

Possible Support Programme Areas (SPA) for TPN1

SPA 1: Application of space based technologies for monitoring and assessment of desertified areas

Suggested Activity 1: An assessment study of the current level of capacity of institutions involved in the field of monitoring and assessment.

Suggested Activity 2: A consolidation/compilation of technological know-how, techniques and methodologies on desertification monitoring and assessment that is applied in the region.

Suggested Activity 3: Development of an interactive network linking desertification monitoring and assessment institutions in the region and other worldwide network doing similar work in the field.

Suggested Activity 4: Formulation of joint-activity programmes on the application of space-based technologies and methodologies.

SPA 2: Formulation of desertification monitoring and evaluation indicators for the region

Suggested Activity 1: A study and compilation of benchmark indicators used by institutions in the affected member countries for monitoring and assessment of desertification.

Suggested Activity 2: Formulating and development of the conceptual hierarchies and the corresponding impact indicators that can be used by member countries in the region.

Suggested Activity 3: Collection and compilation of information and studies that establishes the benchmark for the indicators that are formulated.

Suggested Activity 4: Pilot testing of identified indicators by participating institutions.

Suggested Activity 5: Formulating of guideline and protocol for the collection of benchmark information on the identified indicator.

SPA 3: Database and information management on desertification monitoring and assessment

Suggested Activity 1: Establishment of desertification information database networks for Asia.

Suggested Activity 2: Designing of desertification information management system for the region.

Suggested Activity 3: Creation of Internet web site for the TPN 1.

Suggested Activity 4: Establishing linkages with other network on desertification monitoring and assessment with other regions.

SPA 4: Capacity building and training program for desertification monitoring and assessment

Suggested Activity 1: Capacity building and training needs assessment study is undertaken in the region.

Suggested Activity 2: A cost-effective programme for capacity building and training of scientists and technicians involved in desertification and monitoring and assessment is developed for the region.

Suggested Activity 3: A joint activity program or a scientist-technician exchange program is developed in Asia.

The roles and responsibility of actors

Host country; Participating member countries; Participation of international institutions; Participation agreements

Table 2. Japanese satellites used for earth observation

Satellite

Orbit

Main Sensor

MOS-1 (1987)

MOS-1b (1990)

Sun-synchronous

Repeat cycle: 17 days

MESSR

Multispectral Electronic Self-Scanning Radiometer

Resolution: 50 m

Swath: 100 km

Bands: 0.51-0.59; 0.61-0.69; 0.72-0.80; 0.80-1.1

JERS-1 (1992)

Sun-synchronous

Repeat cycle:

44 days

OPS

Optical Sensors

Resolution: 18 m x 24 m

Swath: 75 km

Bands: 0.52-0.60; 0.63-0.69; 0.76-0.86; 1.60-1.71;

2.01-2.12; 2.13-2.25; 2.27-2.40

SAR

Synthetic Aperture Radar

Resolution: 18 m x 18 m

Swath: 75 km

Frequency: 1275 MHz (L-Band)

ADEOS

(1996)

Sun-synchronous

Repeat cycle:

41 days

AVNIR

Advance Visible and Near-infrared Radiometer

Resolution: 8 m (panchromatic) 16 m (multi)

Swath: 80 km

Bands: 0.42-0.50; 0.52-0.60; 0.61-0.69; 0.76-0.89 (multi);

0.52-0.69 (panchromatic)

ADEOS-II

(1999?)

Sun-synchronous

Repeat cycle:

4 days

GLI

Global Imager

Wave length: 375 nm – 12.5 µm

Resolution: 250 m or 1 km at nadir

Number of bands: 34

Table 3. Internet Web Sites related to desertification