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 network b.    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.

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