Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

BSES Greenland 2007: An introduction to Arctic research for the next generation.  (BSES Greenland 2007)

Outline
An interdisciplinary study of Kuannersuit Kuussuat. The valley is the terminus for several glaciers one of which surged in 1999. It is also a Ramsar site, important for several species of breeding water-birds. Although a number of one-off studies have been carried out, there has been no routine ecological monitoring of the valley. Changes in climate are likely to affect the glaciers, wetlands and plant distribution with knock-on impacts for the bird populations. Our project comprises base-line surveys of the current glacial landscape, plant distribution and bird population from which future changes will be measured. The details of the surveys have not been finalised but are likely to comprise: 1. Glacial- Geomorphological mapping of the Kuannersuit Kuussuat landscape, 2. Mapping boundaries of plant communities within the valley, recording vegetation height and density. 3. Recording bird numbers for each key species; observing time budgets for particular pairs and possibly ringing to enable monitoring of migration patterns. Measurements of sediment in the river flowing though the site may also be undertaken, to compare with a previous study in 1999. It is intended that BSES should mount repeat expeditions to the area at 5 year intervals to continue the project. The fieldwork will be carried out over 4-weeks within the six-week expedition by young people between 16 and 20 years old. In most cases it will be their first experience of field science. They will also explore the surrounding mountains and fjords, undertaking ‘adventurous activities’ which will serve to put Kuannersuit Kuussuat in a wider environment context. Each survey will be devised and lead by a field scientist with expertise in the discipline. The work and results will be set within the context of interrelation between the three survey disciplines and the valley’s ecology as a whole. The project’s Science Co-ordinator will be responsible for pre-expedition briefings, maintaining balance between the disciplines, ensuring the quality of the field research and for producing the project report. The report containing data and results of the project will be produced in web-based and hard copies. A project summary will be included in the expedition report distributed to schools and supporters of the expedition. A presentation of the expedition at the Royal Geographical Society, London in January 2008 will include posters summarising the findings of the project and provide an opportunity for expedition members to discuss their project with guests from the scientific, expedition and business communities.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
1. First glacio-geomorphological map of Kuannersuit Kuussuat 2. Collection of benchmark data from which to assess future change in bird populations and plant distribution. 3. Education of young people in field techniques within an Arctic context, facilitating greater understanding of Arctic environments and encouraging future careers in the fields of Polar research. 4. Feedback and dissemination to the schools, families, friends and sponsors of expedition participants about the importance of Polar regions within the wider world. 5. Start of a regular, 5-yearly monitoring programme in this important, marginal site with new young people introduced every 5 years.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
It is expected that most of the young participants in the expedition will be British. The possibility of including some Greenlandic young people will be investigated. Qeqertarsuaq school (5-15 year olds) have expressed interest in some of their pupils visiting the expedition.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Kuannersuit Kuussuat, a glacial valley about 37km NNE of the town of Qeqertarsuaq on the eastern side of Disko Island, west Greenland. 69 38'N 053 17'W

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 07 /2007 - 08/2007            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
2x 5 metre RIBs, 2 x 20' containers to transport kit from UK, transport for personnel and kit from Kangerlussuaq to expedition area.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
None, although the logistical knowledge and local contacts gained will be of significant benefit to follow-on expeditions.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Commercial operator
Own support
Other sources of support

Tranport of equipment and personnel to the expedition area probably be commercial. The expedition will be self-sufficient in the field. Support will be requested in the form of local advice, library facilities, internet access and possibly the loan of small boats from the Arctic Station in Qeqertarsuaq.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Contact has not yet been made with our National IPY Committee.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes
The 2007 IPY marks the 70th Anniversary of BSES Expeditions, founded during the 2nd IPY in 1932. This project is proposed as a ‘milestone expedition’ marking the achievements of BSES to date and setting a high standard of research for future youth expeditions in the Arctic.

How will the project be organised and managed?
BSES Expeditions has an office in London which organises the expedition planning in consultation with the leader team. They also recruit young participants and manage finance and publicity. The leader team, selected by the Chief Leader, includes leaders with specific briefs to manage and co-ordinate the following: science, logistics, adventurous activities, safety, medical issues, communications and boats. All leaders undertake to carry out a share of the organisation and management before, during and after the expedition. The project plans and progress are scrutinised by the BSES Board of Trustees and are submitted to the Young Explorers Trust for approval.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Education and outreach is the prime purpose of this project which aims to raise the profile of the Arctic among young people in the UK and, through introducing real field science in an accessible and enjoyable way, to inspire the next generation of polar researchers, logisticians and well-informed business people.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Data and results will be made available to participants through the science report (both web-based and hard copy). Data will be collected in a form compatible with IPY systems and will be submitted via the specified channels to approved IPY data holders for dissemination to the wider community.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The young participants each raise funds for the cost of their place on the expedition. Commercial sponsorship will be sought to fund the cost of the leaders.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
BSES Expeditions (formerly the British Schools' Exploring Society)is an educational charity in the UK (no. 802196)

PROPOSER DETAILS

Ms Sarah Mayer
BSES Expeditions
36a Arcot Street
Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan
CF64 1EU
UK

Tel: +44 (0)2920 704 987
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Other Information