Vulnerability Workshop
Hosted by the US National Academy of Sciences
15-16 January 2003
Workshop Objectives
- Clarify definitions and disciplinary viewpoints of vulnerability science relevant to food systems.
- Design a framework for synthesising current natural and social science concepts of vulnerability as relating to GECAFS.
Acknowledgements
The workshop organisers gratefully acknowledge financial assistance from the International Contributions for Scientific, Educational and Cultural Activities (ICSECA) Grants Program of the US National Academies and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Global Programs (NOAA-OGP). The assistance of the US National Academies (NAS) for hosting the workshop and assisting with local arrangements is also gratefully acknowledged.
Programme
(Detailed timings and breaks have been deleted for this web report version)
Wednesday 15 January 2003
Welcome, Meeting Objectives and Introductions – John Ingram
Introduction to GECAFS and general discussion – John Ingram
Series of 10 minute overviews to (i) introduce vulnerability concepts from various viewpoints and (ii) relate them to food systems:
Equity and vulnerability of food systems – Neil Adger
Social vulnerability – Hans-Georg Bohle
“Double exposure” – Karen O’Brien
Agent-based approaches – Tom Downing
Resilience concepts – Ian Noble
UNESCO-MAB perspective – Peter Bridgwater
Developing vulnerability science for GECAFS – Mike Brklacich
GECAFS Regional Research Projects: overview and update on Indo-Gangetic Plain project – John Ingram for Pramod Joshi
Caribbean Food System: characteristics and policy requirements; and vulnerability concepts and GECAFS plans to date – Adrian Trotman & Ranjit Singh
“Carousel” structured discussion on framing Working Groups agenda
Charge to Working Groups – Mike Brklacich and Tom Downing
Working Groups each to articulate 5 key questions which collectively provide a framework for synthesising current concepts of vulnerability/adaptation/resilience.
Thursday 16 January 2003
GECAFS Vulnerability discussion re Caribbean Story Lines
Groups on (i) Local and (ii) Regional Caribbean Story Lines
Working Group Reports and discussion
Summary Notes from Working Groups