Workshops prepare participants to actively engage in global environental change research

More than 70 scholars from around the planet met in New Delhi from 11-16 October, 2008, to participate in the new edition of the International Human Dimensions Workshop (IHDW).

Aimed at training the future generations of human dimensions researchers, the IHDW is a capacity development activity that takes place every two years and is planned and carried out by the International Human Dimension Programme on Global Environmental Change (IHDP).

The training workshops offered a unique opportunity for the promotion of young and mid-career scientists from all regions of the world, particularly those from developing and emerging economies. This was made possible thanks to the contributions of the following sponsors: the Asia Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN), the System for Analysis Research and Training (START), the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), Jawaharlal University (JNU), the Institue of Economic Growth (IEG), the United Nations Delhi – India, NeWater, Universität Osnabrück, Wageningen University, the Global Water Systems Project, the IHDP Chinese National Committee, the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), the UN-Water Decade Programme for Capacity Development (UNW-DPC), and gcPLUS.

The seminars were well attended, with 73 participants from 32 different countries taking part in five training seminars covering research topics that have been identified as some of the most prominent research areas in the human dimensions of global environmental change: Urban health, sustainability through systems innovation, sustainable adaptation, ecosystem services, and adaptive water management.

The IHDW, now in its sixth round, has become a well-recognized international event with over 170 researchers applying, and 14 scientific programmes and organisations contributing to the success of this years’ workshops.

During the workshops, participants were able to learn from well-known researchers (for more information Download PDF of the IHDP Update Extra - IHDW). The IHDW trainers - all key scientists - provided an arena in which the dissemination of knowledge and the exchange of information on global change were encouraged. As one of the African participants said, “Considering the dearth of researchers in climate change research in Nigeria, I’ve now been trained to train others and to actively pioneer major researches on this in my Institute in collaboration with others I hope to positively influenced and get engaged on this.”

The participants had the opportunity to interact with their work to esteemed members of the IHDP Scientific Committee in a “Meet the Senior” session in the last morning. As well as to listen to a noteworthy speech on the evolution of institutions for collective action given by Elinor Ostrom, co-director of the “Workshop on Political Theory and Policy Analysis” at Indiana University, and founding director of the “Center for the Study of Institutional Diversity” at Arizona State University.

The success of the workshops is undeniable. Through discussions, group-work, case studies, collective meetings, presentations, and interaction, the participants came away prepared to engage in global change research as individuals, as well as to spread their knowledge in order to support and grow the scientific communities in their home countries.

Facts and Figures from the IHDW 2008 in New Delhi

View more information about the demographics and attendees of the International Human Dimensions Workshop.

What did the participants have to say about the IHDW?

Read their feedback here.

IHDW 2008 Photo Gallery

View pictures from the International Human Dimensions Workshop 2008 in New Delhi, India

You can download the IHDW report as PDF

IHDW biennial Workshops

Text: Nanou Kone and Lou Smith