Second Generation Research Projects

The Master Projects are intended to fill up gaps in the geophysical landscapes (i.e., coastal, terrestrial and riverine ecosystems) in terms of geomorphology (i.e., soils at the landscape level), biodiversity (i.e., plants, animals and soil organisms), and the socio-economic environment looking at aspects of institutional analysis, participatory methodologies, and gender issues and concerns. These projects are integrative and focus on the complexities of ecosystem interrelatedness and interactions.

In the second half of 2002 three master projects have been developed. The terms of reference for the developed master projects were:

• Spatial heterogeneity of the coastal/terrestrial habitat were addressed at the levels of geomorphology, sediments and vegetation;
• Biodiversity addressed at the level of (shell) fish, vegetation and sediment for the coastal habitat, and at the level of vegetation, animals and soil organisms in the terrestrial habitat;
• Sustainable livelihood alternatives already in the area, based on coastal/terrestrial resources, characterized, taking into account biophysical, economic, social, cultural (e.g., gender) and spiritual aspects;
• Policy issues and their coverage in the study area addressed from the perspective of eco-governance.

Due attention was given to characterization of flows of information, people and matter (e.g., products, sediments, nutrients, pollutants, etc.) between coastal and riverine/terrestrial habitats across Mt. Malindang.

Research Projects
Within the Master Programme Research Framework, three Master Projects have been developed and agreed. These are:
- Terrestrial Ecosystem Master Project (TEMP)
- Aquatic Ecosystem Master Project (AMP)
- Socioeconomic-cultural Studies (SECS)