In March 2005, findings from the largest and most authoritative assessment of the connections between ecosystem health and human well-being, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), were released. Central to the MA’s success is a set of ‘sub-global assessments’ being conducted at scales ranging from local communities to entire regions. APN funds under this grant are being implemented to increase the participation of Asia-Pacific researchers in two core activities: a workshop on modeling and scenario-analysis, and meetings of the MA Sub-Global Working Group. APN’s main objectives are:

1. To increase the capacity of individuals and organizations in the Asia Pacific region to conduct multi-scale, integrated assessments of ecosystem change and public health.
2. To meet decision-makers’ needs for information on the consequences of ecosystem change for public health and options for enhancing public health without undermining ecosystems.
3. To increase the training and participation of junior scientists in the Assessment, to ensure contribution to global change research in the Asia Pacific region.
4. To enhance mutual learning among MA experts and increase regional cooperation on global change research.

For more information, contact:
Dr. Walter Reid, Director
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
WorldFish Center,
PO Box 500 GPO, 10670,
Penang, Malaysia
Tel. (604) 626-1606
Fax. (604) 626-5530
Email: reid@millenniumassessment.org