There is now rich experience with the application of AEZ
at regional and global scale. The present study has outlined various applications,
where biophysical assessments based on AEZ can substantially contribute. While
improvement of the basic methodology and data is a general aim, the planned
work is concerned with regional applications and case studies. Foreseen activities
related to Agro-Ecological Zones are the following:
A CD-ROM dealing with the impacts of climate variability and climate change on agricultural production on global scale. We intend to include in the global AEZ database water resources data and use IIASA's Climate and Human Activities - sensitive Runoff Model (CHARM) to enhance the assessment of irrigation production potentials at watershed level.
A CD-ROM dealing with various data sets including results of AEZ applications generated by IIASA's Land Use Change Project (LUC) covering the Former Soviet Union, Mongolia and China at a 5 km resolution grid. This CD-ROM will also include an AEZ application for forestry, i.e. for biomass plantation forestry, traditional forestry, and conservation forestry.
Specific AEZ studies for so-called 'hot spots' with special reference to the effect of climatic variability on food security. Proposed study areas are: Horn of Africa, (IGADD countries). Southern Africa (Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa), Bangladesh, and China. Because of limited availability of ground data for the Africa studies, we will to a large extent rely on historical remote sensing data, such as AVHRR and LANDSAT data.
Early in 2000, IIASA has initiated the preparation for LUC Europe activities. This project will include trend analyses of rural area development from demographic, economic, social and cultural viewpoints, linked to analyses of environmental hazards and opportunities. The latter part would include AEZ applications providing information on potentials for agriculture, different types of forestry and would contain a separate assessment of bio-energy potentials. It would also deal with climatic variability, natural hazards and climate change. Full use will be made of all detailed environmental data available for Europe.