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The document assesses how water management impacts poverty in Africa, highlighting a significant gap between political rhetoric and actual investment. It argues that current trends will leave millions of Africans without safe water and sanitation by 2015. The authors propose a conceptual framework focusing on four dimensions of poverty reduction: enhancing livelihood security, reducing health risks, reducing vulnerability, and promoting pro-poor economic growth. The report emphasizes the importance of 'green water' (soil moisture) alongside 'blue water' (rivers and lakes) and calls for Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) that places poverty at its center. Key recommendations include public sector reform, stimulating internal capital investment, and adapting to climate change, which is projected to increase water stress for 75 to 250 million Africans by 2020.

The IAI Directorate report for May-November 2006 highlights the implementation of the CRN-II program, the closure of CRN-I, and the initiation of a new human dimensions program funded by the NSF. The period was marked by expanded regional cooperation with entities like RIOCC, CYTED, and IICA, as well as capacity-building efforts including a summer school in Germany and workshops on climate-land use interactions. Internally, the IAI appointed a new Financial and Administrative Officer and completed an independent audit. Financially, as of November 2006, only 6% of approved member nation contributions had been collected, though the Directorate estimated a final collection rate of 90% for the 2006/2007 period.

The IAI's 2006/07 program focuses on transitioning from a period of scientific excellence to one of policy relevance and regional integration. Key initiatives include the implementation of the second Collaborative Research Network (CRN II), the synthesis of CRN I, and the development of a Program on Climate Variability in the Americas with CPTEC. The IAI aims to strengthen capacity building through seed grants, training institutes on disaster risk and climate impacts, and strategic partnerships with organizations like the UN ISDR and IICA. Administrative efforts are centered on optimizing internal processes through new manuals and an electronic proposal and report system.

The IAI's 2006/07 annual plan focuses on transitioning from a purely scientific excellence program to one that integrates policy relevance and adaptation to global change. Key initiatives include the launch of the Cooperative Research Networks II (CRN II), the conclusion of CRN I, and the implementation of six strategic goals approved in 2002. The plan emphasizes administrative rationalization, the expansion of the Data Information System (DIS), and increased cooperation with Argentina, Brazil, and Canada. Capacity building will be driven by 'seed grants' and multidisciplinary training institutes focused on the science-policy interface, including collaborations with organizations like the UN's ISDR and the IICA.

The 12th IAI CoP meeting focused on institutional governance, financial planning for the 2005-2006 fiscal year, and the selection of new leadership. Key outcomes included the election of Dr. Holm Tiessen as Executive Director and the approval of a basic budget of $1,012,405. The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Collaborative Research Network (CRN) and Small Grants Programs, and discussed the integration of scientific research with policy-making. Additionally, the CoP approved amendments to its voting regulations and the affiliation of CPTEC/INPE as an IAI institution.

The IAI Executive Directorate report for May-August 2005 outlines the appointment of Dr. Holm Tiessen as Executive Director, the evaluation of 37 proposals for the Cooperative Research Networks (CRN II) program, and the planning of training institutes on climate vulnerability in Paraguay and climate-health in Jamaica. Administratively, the IAI approved new employee and project management manuals and initiated the process to become an observer of the UNFCCC. Financially, the report notes that as of June 30, 2005, the core budget received 99% of contributions, though several member countries still had outstanding balances.

The IAI Directorate report for May–August 2005 outlines personnel changes, including the appointment of Dr. Holm Tiessen as Director and Mrs. Ione Anderson as Program Manager. Key scientific activities include the peer-review of 37 proposals for the Collaborative Research Network (CRN II) and the planning of a synthesis meeting in Brazil to bridge the gap between science and governance. The report also details the organization of training institutes on climate variability in Paraguay and climate and health in Jamaica, as well as administrative progress such as the approval of employee and project management manuals and efforts to obtain observer status with the UNFCCC.

The Twelfth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) adopted seven resolutions concerning the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI). Key actions included the approval of the 2005-2006 basic budget and annual program, the appointment of Dr. Holm Tiessen as Executive Director for three years, and the election of four scientists to the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). Additionally, the CoP approved CPTEC/INPE as an Affiliated Institution for the Climate Variability Program in the Americas and updated rules regarding SAC nominations and voting procedures.

The briefing outlines the administrative and strategic outcomes of the IAI's 12th CoP meeting, including the election of a new Executive Director, the approval of the 2005-2006 budget and annual program, and the appointment of new members to the Scientific Advisory Committee. Key institutional decisions include the approval of CPTEC/INPE as an affiliated institution and an agreement in principle to register the IAI with the UNFCCC.

The IAI Executive Committee (CE) approved the budget for the 2005/2006 fiscal year, established a committee to recommend candidates for the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), and endorsed the CPTEC/INPE's proposal to become an Affiliated Institution for the Program on Climate Variability in the Americas. The CE also supported proposals from Mexico to register the IAI with the UNFCCC and to implement annual science-policy activities.

The twelfth meeting of the IAI Conference of the Parties (CoP) focused on administrative governance, budgetary approvals, and institutional expansion. Key outcomes included the election of Dr. Holm Tiessen as Executive Director, the approval of the 2005-2006 annual program and basic budget, and the appointment of new members to the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). The CoP also agreed in principle to register the IAI with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and to establish an annual science-policy activity, both subject to funding availability.

The report analyzes how the transition to a market economy (Doi Moi) in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam, has exposed rural communities to multiple stressors. It focuses on the rapid expansion and subsequent price collapse of coffee, significant in-migration, and increasing environmental hazards like droughts and floods. Through case studies in Cu M’gar, Lak, and Dak R’lap districts, the study finds that while economic reforms increased opportunities, they also created new vulnerabilities, particularly for indigenous ethnic minorities who lack the capital and market experience of the Kinh majority. The report argues that diversification of livelihoods and adaptive management are essential to building resilience against unpredictable economic and environmental futures.

The report details the EC Chair's efforts to recover funds from CATHALAC, the transition of IAI leadership from Dr. Gustavo Necco to Interim Director Dr. John Stewart, and the processing of a proposal for CPTEC/INPE to become an Affiliated Institution. It also covers administrative updates regarding the IAI Newsletter, country contribution calculations, the status of 37 full proposals for the CRN II, and diplomatic efforts to resolve local staff salary issues in Brazil.

The report details the Chair's actions regarding the recovery of funds from CATHALAC, the transition of Executive Directors, the evaluation of CPTEC/INPE as an affiliated institution, and administrative updates on staff salaries in Brazil and voting procedures for the Scientific Advisory Committee.

The IAI Directorate reports a strategic transition focusing on 'regional relevance' by bridging the gap between scientific research and policy application. Key achievements include the implementation of training institutes in Mexico and Costa Rica, the development of a new Data and Information System (DIS) with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the preparation for the second round of Collaborative Research Networks (CRN-II). The report also addresses internal management challenges, including staff salary disputes and the recovery of project funds from CATHALAC.

The CRN program, initiated in 1999 with an initial investment of US$10 million, established 14 international research networks to investigate global environmental change in the Americas. The program successfully leveraged over US$20 million in supplemental funding by June 2004 and supported 429 students. Key scientific outputs include research on soil degradation in Brazil and Argentina, dendrochronological reconstructions of climate variability, the drivers of deforestation in the Amazon, and the impacts of UV-B radiation and ENSO on ecosystems and human health. The program emphasized capacity building through the training of graduate students and the creation of regional data portals and research stations.

The 21st SAC meeting in Santiago, Chile, focused on selecting 35 pre-proposals for the second round of the Cooperative Research Networks (CRN II) program from 93 submissions. The committee discussed a joint activity plan with NCAR/UCAR involving weather modeling and climate risk, and reviewed an external evaluation of the IAI by the AAAS. Additionally, the SAC recommended the affiliation of CPTEC for a climate variability internship program and decided to use the SCOPE mechanism for the synthesis of CRN I results.

The report identifies Mali as highly vulnerable to environmental and climatic stresses, particularly droughts and floods, which exacerbate poverty and food insecurity. It highlights that vulnerability is shaped by regional disparities, social hierarchies, and health crises like HIV/AIDS. Environmental degradation, driven by deforestation and unsustainable agricultural expansion (especially cotton), further reduces the resilience of rural populations. The document argues for integrated strategies to reduce vulnerability, focusing on income diversification, improved water and sanitation, and targeted support for the most marginalized groups, including women and children.

The IAI CRN program has established a broad network of scientists and institutions across the Americas and globally, leveraging over US$ 20.7 million in additional funds. The initiative has supported 429 students and produced a significant volume of refereed publications between 1999 and 2003. Specific project summaries highlight research on climate variability in Mesoamerica, water quality in the Andean Amazon, ENSO risk management, biodiversity in grasslands and forests, and the impacts of cattle ranching on deforestation in Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador.

The report details the evolution of the IAI, from its establishment by 11 countries in 1992 to its operational phase in Brazil. It outlines the institute's mission to build scientific capacity and collaborative research networks to understand global environmental changes in the Americas. The document tracks the progression of the IAI Science Agenda, the implementation of various funding mechanisms such as Start-up Grants, Initial Science Programs (ISP), and the Collaborative Research Network (CRN) program, and the results of these initiatives in terms of publications, student training, and policy-relevant findings.