Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #210: Impacts of climate induced changes in moose distribution and abundance on aboriginal cultures.  (Impacts of climate induced changes in moose distribution and abundance on aboriginal cultures.)

Outline
Existing evidence indicates that moose are responding to climate induced changes in available habitat through increased numbers and expansion of their range onto the North Slope of Alaska, Yukon and Northwest Territory. A corollary of these changes is that other species that historically have been important to northern cultures are likely to become less available. These changes in vegetation and wildlife distribution and abundance have the potential to significantly impact the traditional cultures of local people. Maintenance of traditional northern cultures and healthy communities requires that environmentally induced changes in resource availability be recognized and their impacts on communities managed. This proposal has three components. 1) Document and predict changes in shrub vegetation and moose habitat at the northern extreme of moose range through a combination of compilation of traditional knowledge, analysis of archival and contemporary photographs and remote sensing images, and computer models. 2) Document and predict changes in moose distribution and abundance at the northern extreme of their range in North America through a combination of traditional knowledge, analysis of past and contemporary data sources, new research, and computer models. 3) Document the impacts of past changes in vegetation and wildlife distribution on traditional arctic cultures and predict the potential impacts of future changes. The ultimate objective will be to minimize negative impacts of vegetation and wildlife changes on traditional northern cultures to sustain healthy communities.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The three components of this project are intended to advance our understanding in 4 of the six identified IPY theme areas. Specifically to: 1) document current status of moose and their habitat. 2) Quantify past and predict future change in the distribution and abundance of moose and their habitat at the northern extreme of their range. 3) Develop new methods of monitoring future change in the distribution of moose and the habitat. 4) Document how traditional cultures and communities in the research area have adapted to historical changes in distribution and abundance of moose as a food resource. Predictions about future changes in resource availability can be used to by communities to plan for the future. Sustaining traditional cultures and healthy communities in a changing environment are the ultimate objectives.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Currently collaborating partners include members of First Nations and Inuit government and academic organizations in United States and Canada. The potential to expand the scope of the project into northern Europe and Asia are being investigated. See 4.2 for a list currently collaborating partners.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
At this point it is anticipated that field work would be focused with selected areas in north-eastern Alaska, Yukon, and north-western Northwest Territories. The potential exists, however, to expand the area to include other parts of the Northwest Territories, north-western Nunavut and, northern Europe and Asia.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 03/07 – 10/07      03/08 – 10/08      03/09 – 10/09
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Agencies listed in 4.2 have identified a range of historic data resources, logistic support and facilities that they are willing to put at the disposal of collaborating researchers. These include field housing, office space, equipment, project administration, and personnel. Potential exists for sharing remote sensing vegetation data acquisition with other projects in the same area.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Permanent vegetation monitoring plots may established that can be incorporated into long-term habitat monitoring.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Own national polar operator
Another national polar operator
National agency
Commercial operator
Own support

See item 2.3

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives. The CSC has initially sorted this pre-proposal into: Ecosystems: Terrestrial Processes

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?

This is a new initiative. However, it can also be considered a component of existing programs by the governments of United States, Alaska, Yukon and Northwest territories to monitor significant wildlife populations within their jurisdictions. It is therefore likely that moose populations with portions of the research area will continue to be monitored periodically, in the context of climate induced change, using monitoring techniques developed through this proposed work.

How will the project be organised and managed?
It is anticipated that the three components of this project will be managed by academic researchers with experience in the respective areas of investigation. Under the direction of these researchers, and with the support and cooperation of collaborating partners, detailed study designs will be developed and carried out by graduate students based at the academic institutions employing the lead researchers. Steering committees composed of collaborating partners will be established for each project component and the overall project to provide coordination, links between project components and seek additional funding. Steering committees will also ensure the involvement of local communities, Renewable Resource Committees, Hunters and Trappers Committees, land claim co-management boards, etc. Planning workshops will be required in 2005 and 2006.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The nature of the human dimensions component of the project will require close linkages and communication with the communities within the region. In addition, consultation with local Renewable Resource Committees will precede all fieldwork. Local people will be involved with fieldwork wherever possible. Options for communicating project activities to local communities on an ongoing basis will be investigated. It is expected that the results from project components will be published in refereed journals.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Primary data management will be the responsibility of the project component leaders. Protocols for data sharing and distribution will be developed by the steering committees.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
It is estimated that the overall project will cost approximately $1,000,000 over the two years. Substantial logistic support opportunities which will offset a portion of the cost have been identified by the collaborating organizations. Some agencies may also be able to fund segments of the field programs and personnel costs as part of their going resource management activities. It is likely that 50% to 75% of the total project funding still needs to be identified.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mr Richard Ward
Box 2703 , Whitehorse, Yukon


Y1A 2C6
Canada

Tel: 867 667 5787
Mobile:
Fax: 867 393 6263
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information