SCAR XXXII WP17: Report of Evolution and Biodiversity in the Antarctic (EBA) Popular

SCAR XXXII WP17: Report of Evolution and Biodiversity in the Antarctic (EBA)

Working Paper 17

Title: SCAR SRP ‘Evolution and Biodiversity in the Antarctic’

Authors: P. Convey, G. di Prisco (EBA Co-Chairs), J. Xavier, M. Rajanahally (EBA Co-Secretaries)

Relevant URLs or references to other reports: www.eba.aq

Introduction/ Background: EBA is one of five current approved Science Research Programmes of SCAR, and the only one representing the interests of the very large and diverse biological sciences research community with interests in Antarctica. The Programme has a planned lifetime of 2005-2013. Assuming approval of the two new SCAR biology programme proposals to commence in January 2013, we anticipate EBA being wound up somewhat early in funding terms, not requesting funds for 2013, although extending the time period for use of its existing 2012 funds to the next SCAR Biology Symposium (Barcelona, mid-2013), as a timely and high profile ‘wind up’ event for the programme. Work under the auspices of EBA is divided into five ‘workpackages’, each working in both the marine and terrestrial environments of Antarctica.

Important Issues or Factors: Since the Programme’s last Report to Delegates, it has continued to be very active in its primary coordination role, and in particular recently contributing to the development of robust scientific advice central to informing the CEP and hence ATCM on issues relating to human impacts on the ecosystems of Antarctica, and conservation planning and governance issues. EBA is now in its final year of operation. Major delivery aims in this period are (1) for the programme leaders to deliver a themed mini-symposium documenting the ‘state of the art’ and major future challenges in the programme’s science fields at the 2012 SCAR OSC, where overview presentations of progress under each work package, and for the programme overall, will be given, ideally to be accompanied by appropriate publication outputs; (2) to complete the delivery of planned research workshops or meetings in the remainder of 2012; (3) to play an active and central role in the transition to successor SCAR biological and cross-disciplinary research programmes.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification: (1) to note and approve of EBA actions and progress to date; (2) to confirm support for EBA’s outline plans for the remaining life of the programme [1 provides an indication that Delegates recognise that EBA continues to deliver to SCAR as planned, 2 provides the programme security for its remaining life].

Expected Benefits/Outcomes: Continued significant publication output (both content and numbers), outreach delivery, advice to stakeholders, enhancement of SCAR profile.

Partners: Various outputs involve interactions with CEP, COMNAP, SCAR Expert and Action Groups, IPCC

Budget Implications: No further budgetary approval is required for EBA itself, unless SCAR Delegates fail to approve the two new biological SRP proposals, in which case we would request continuation to the original planned end date of the Programme.