IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK

Figure 1: Implementation Framework for the Global Change Grand Challenge

The implementation framework for the Global Change Grand Challenge (2GC) Strategy, when complete, will have four main components:

A:         The National Global Change Science Plan;

B:         The Innovation for Increased System Resilience Roadmap;

C:         The National Plan for effective and efficient data and information sharing and dissemination;

D:         National strategy for bridging the Science-Policy interfaces.

The National Global Change Science Plan (this document) and the Innovation for Increased System Resilience Roadmap (to be developed) form the core of the 2GC Implementation Framework (Figure 1). These will form the context for the development and maintenance of the necessary human capital and research infrastructure that together form the required Global Change research capability in South Africa.

The implementation framework further recognises the need for meaningful research collaboration in both the Science Plan and the future System Resilience Roadmap. (Note: The definition and content of the latter will be developed in the latter part of 2008 with full consultation of stakeholders.)

Having the means to effectively share data and information within and across the research environment is recognised as a crucial element of the implementation framework. These include scientific and popular publications, the use of a website for information sharing and to facilitate online discussions, and regular specialist and general workshops, seminars and conferences.

Translating scientific results into policy (and ultimately into societal benefits) is a major challenge. Establishing a dedicated and efficient mechanism to do this is key to the success of the 2GC.