Association of Research on the Climate and the Environment (ARCE)
From TrustAfrica wiki - African Regional Organizations
Association of Research on Climate and Environment (ARCE)
Building “the Sphinx”
3rd peripheral – USTO behind the private clinic “Nekkache”
B.P. 31000 Oran, Algeria
Tel/Fax: + (213) .41.42.72.22
Email: arce21@wissal.dz
Web site: http://www.arce.asso.dz
Sahabi Abed Salah, Secretary-General, salah_sahabi@yahoo.com
Mohammed Senouci, msenouci@excite.com
Description
ARCE is a non-governmental organization, founded in 1993 in Oran (Algeria), in a context of high-level environmental degradation, political instability and socio-economic problems.
Its fundamental objective is to promote multidisciplinary, cooperative and integrated research in climate science and environment applications. Other objectives are to apply the scientific method to study, research and development, identify and mobilize research methods, add value to research results, contribute to the production of a "climate-environment" network and become a propositional force in education, research and environmental legislation.
ARCE uses diverse approaches to attain its objectives. First, it seeks to contribute to multi disciplinary and cooperative research in the environmental field by creating synergy between scientists, professionals, decision-makers and users. It also seeks aid for research and developmental projects and makes them part of national and international networks. These approaches are used by the organization in working in environment and pollution; drought and desertification; human biometeorology and health; impacts of global climate change; and, technological risk and environmental Impacts.
The main funding of the ARCE is derived from approved projects and modest but irregular support from the municipality. All its members are volunteers. Other donors include the IMF, the World Bank and various governments. ARCE also benefited from the funding mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol as well as a strategy for the Maghreb regarding vulnerability and adaptation.
Track Record
To achieve its objectives, ARCE has carried out a number of activities. These include establishment of Climate-Environment Networks, and creation of an environmental observatory for the city of Oran and its surrounding area. It has also organized annual National Symposia for the scientific community and policy makers since 1994. The activities are supplemented by periodic scientific newsletters.
Since its inception, ARCE has initiated environmental networks now an essential element of its strategy. The network has expanded rapidly into a big association with specific domains of interest which include the Network of Experts on Climate and Water Resources in Maghreb (REM-RE), the Network of Experts on Climate and Pollution by Transport in The Maghreb (CLIPAT), the Network of Experts on Climate and Health in the Maghreb (CESAM) and the Regional Network on Climate Change in the Maghreb (RAC Maghreb).
ARCE has also established a number of networks between scientists, policy makers and individuals interested in specific domains of the environment. These Networks have over 200 members in Algeria and abroad. Besides, the organization has been involved in many initiatives and projects at different levels. These projects include: contribution to the first National Communication Plan of Algeria; National Action Plan on Environment and Sustainable Development (May 2002): National Strategy on Energy; National strategy on water resources; observatory of Climate Change and its impacts on Development and Societies (co-financed by EU, 2004); Global Change in the Mediterranean: concerted initiative RICAMARE (Research in Global Change in the Mediterranean) and MEDCOM, International Forum on Climate and Water Resources in the Maghreb (2001, Adrar); NOSTRUM-DSS Project (Water Resources Management in the Mediterranean); Regional Project on Climate Change in Maghreb: thematic networks in the Maghreb (Climate and Water Resources, Climate and Pollution, Climate and Health). ARCE has also been the focal point of the GEF-NGO Global network for the North Africa region; TIGER Initiative (Use of Teledetection in monitoring the pollution in the west coast of Algeria) and National Action Plan on Environment and Sustainable Development.
The organization has also published widely on environmental issues. These publications include the newsletter, reports and books. All materials are available on the organization’s website (which is only in French).
At the regional level, ARCE partnered with other organizations in the regional project of Maghreb, which reinforced Maghreb’s capacity in the Convention on Climate Change. ARCE’s involvement in this Convention was effected through the Committee that oversaw the project and its Consultative technical committee. Due to this, ARCE established four networks on climate change. This project ended in March 2003 with its last part devoted to institutionalizing response at national level.
Challenges
Lack of adequate finances is a major handicap for ARCE, given that it works with scientists from different disciplines requiring logistical support to realize their ambitions and programs.
Opportunities
Enhancing existing cooperation in the Mediterranean and North Africa for sustainable development would strengthen the networks and profile of ARCE. There is opportunity to capitalize on existing experience and consolidate the work of the networks on issues like the impact of climate change in the sub-region. There is opportunity to pursue a strategic approach that increases mobilization of resources for research on different themes and collaborate with different partners.
ARCE capacity in the areas of scientific and technological development means that it can contribute meaningfully to environmental issues requiring a high level of scientific, technological and managerial competence. The complexity of environmental questions requires a more strategic, multidisciplinary approach. The ARCE network has succeeded through bringing together different categories of scientists which needs to be extended further in the region.
