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MESPOM Alumni Newsletter :: June 2010 :: Issue 3 1

MESPOM Alumni NewsletterJune 2010

Impressum. MESPOM is an Erasmus Mundus Masters course in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management operated by four leading European Universities and supported by the European Commission. MESPOM prepares students for identifying and implementing solutions to complex environmental challenges, especially in an international context. Editor and design: Márta Vetier (MESPOM 05-07). Contact: All authors and the editor can be contacted using the following e-mail address template: fi [email protected] Views expressed in this newsletter are those of the author only.

Dear Friends,

time fl ies fast, and it’s already time to publish the Third MESPOM Alumni Newsletter. The publication of this issue coincides with the MESPOM Inaugural Alumni Conference. Many of us are together these days in Budapest (and lots of others are here in their souls though not in person) visiting 609 and the Japanese Garden, having a drink in Simpla and Szoda, walking down the Pest and the Buda side of the Danube and of course doing the hard work of funding an Alumni Association.

Coming back to this newsletter, if you read through the pages, you will get to an insight into the Climate Conference in Copenhagen and the World Expo in Shanghai as well as Greenpeace and the Caucasus. You can also discover the career pathways of several friends, read about travel experiences and get to know who got married or had children. There are also some pieces about the Erasmus Mundus Alumni Association’s latest developments. And fi nally, you can also browse through Batch 4’s thesis titles.

Finally, a big thank you! to everyone who took the time to send some stories and pictures. I wish you all a very happy reading!

Márta Vetier (Hungary, MESPOM 05-07)


Special reports

MESPOMers at COP15 Jennifer Lenhart, (USA, MESPOM 05-07)

In December 2009, the world came to Copenhagen to discuss, debate and derive a new agreement to address climate change at the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP15). On retrospect while we may be disappointed with the fi nal result; COP15 also highlights the growing attention climate change is receiving from the global community. The conference was attended by 100s of heads of state, international fi gure heads, national negotiating teams, UN organisations, NGOs, think tanks, research institutions, religious organisations, local governments, businesses, youth activists and human rights groups, universities and students – as well as the MESPOM community.Certainly, the hollow fi nal result underscores the extreme complexities of addressing climate change: scientifi cally and politically. Nevertheless, it also demonstrates the unique opportunity and responsibility we, as members of an engaged and informed global community, can and will play as we address this and like issues throughout our careers. In the end, despite the fi nal outcome, COP15 was a historic event – portraying a wide range of exhibitions, events, fi lm and music festivities, lectures, networking opportunities, study tours and side events, of which many MESPOMers were engaged. With Lund and IIIEE only one hour away by train, MESPOM was well-represented by Batch 4 students and faculty studying in Lund. Several MESPOMers from Batch 5 also came from Budapest to participate in ‘Climate Forum’ and ‘Hopenhagen’ in central Copenhagen, as well as MESPOMers from Batch 1 and 2, in context to their work. A variety of different batches participated in the mid-event Climate March on the streets in Copenhagen. It was an extremely intensive two weeks; but for those of us who attended, we witnessed Copenhagen transform by the energy, colour, enthusiasm and hope of the global community. With all the hype and buildup now behind us, how do we move on? Upon refl ection, it is interesting to note that emergency and emergence come from the same root. The challenges and related crises to address climate change are severe; but what of the possibilities!? Now more than ever, let’s

keep that energy and sense of empowerment alive to address this and like environmental issues, building on our experiences in MESPOM and like opportunities; especially as we progress in our careers, our networks and our ability to infl uence decision-making processes. We are all a small part of the problem, but more so, an important part of any possible solution.

The Curious Case of the CaucasusAnja Wittich (Germany, MESPOM 05-07)

Here it is where species from Central and Northern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa meet, and where species are found that exist nowhere else in the world. Here it is where people of most diverse cultures and languages are closely living together. And here it is where new and old borders are disconnecting people and joint nature conservation efforts. It is here where I chose to live – in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. I came to support the regional work of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, IUCN, in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The Caucasus hosts approximately 1,200 endemic plant species and more than 50 endemic animal species and has been listed as one of 34 global biodiversity hotspots by Conservation International. IUCN focuses in this region on the development of national protected area systems and suitable governance types for the management of existing and newly created protected areas. Other IUCN projects focus on forest law enforcement and governance, and enhancing the lives of local communities through the sustainable use of natural resources. We are delivering our conservation work together with our eight Caucasus member organizations and in cooperation with our partners.


Special reports

Greenpeace and the European UnionMárta Vetier (Hungary, MESPOM 05-07)

Greenpeace, one of the largest environmental campaigning organizations, is well known for its direct actions. Its activists dressed up in yellow, red or white overalls block buildings’ entries, climb industrial facilities’ stacks, hang banners off bridges, stop trains and ships or lock themselves to gates around the globe. On the other hand, Greenpeace’s political and lobby work is less visible to the media and the public. During the last two years I have worked for Greenpeace’s European Unit as a political adviser, carrying out this latter

not so picturesque, but often very daring and infl uential task.Greenpeace works on global issues: defending our oceans, stopping climate change, eliminating toxic chemicals, ending the nuclear age, protecting forests and reforming agriculture. Its strength is that it can send the same message at the same time from all over the world and thus make things move forward. Despite this global focus, Greenpeace has a dedicated offi ce in Brussels that follows EU issues.But why is it so important for a global organization to put so much effort into working at the European level? Greenpeace works at EU level, fi rstly because the EU is a major economic power and thus shapes global product standards. The EU is responsible for 20% of global trade, it is the world’s fi rst exporter and second-largest importer and it is the largest consumer-market. Secondly, the EU sets legislation for its 27 member states. Around 70% of European environmental legislation is decided in Brussels and then only implemented by the member states. And last, but not least, the EU is an active player in world politics.Greenpeace fi rst only had national offi ces in Europe, however soon it became apparent that if Greenpeace wanted to be effective in infl uencing EU decision-making for the above mentioned reasons, it must set up a lobby offi ce in Brussels. In 1989 a few campaigners started working specifi cally on EU policy processes in the Belgian offi ce. Later the European Unit became independent and today it has a 15 people strong team.The European Unit, within Greenpeace has many different roles. It has a ‘radar function’ to identify opportunities and threats for the organization, such as new laws, decisions, EU positions in international fora. The European Unit takes part in developing Greenpeace’s European political strategies and then on the one hand carries out the campaigning and lobbying in Brussels on the other hand coordinates the political work of national Greenpeace offi ces on EU issues. The Unit also has an overview of all Greenpeace interaction with EU institutions and media. This way the Unit can ensure that the same message goes out in the right time in the 20 member states where Greenpeace has an offi ce in Europe, and it also means that communication towards the EU institutions (Commission and Parliament) is streamlined.

Looking at the recent history of nature conservation work, most actors would probably agree that positives changes are few. There has been progress, of course, but does it refl ect the great efforts put into this region? We consider that a better coordination of the various efforts – ranging from donor to community level – would help to deliver conservation work more effectively. This is why we just started to transform our offi ce into a cooperation centre that would make the efforts of others more valuable. And we actually like bringing actors of different backgrounds and from different institutions around one table, to achieve the best that is in there – for nature and for people.Time is relative in this region, a place where many are proud to have lived for thousands of years, and do not count decades. Here time feels like a large river – for the most part of the year it is calmly meandering, but when the snow melts it wins strengths and rushes away. Melting snow and rushing rivers are like nature conservation and the jump you have prepared for a very long time.


Special reports

The 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, ChinaJennifer Lenhart (USA, MESPOM 05-07)

Greetings from the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China! While world expos usually concentrate on bringing the nation-states of the world together, the theme of the 2010 Shanghai Expo is ‘Better City, Better Life’. Consequently, in addition to national themes, various cities were invited to feature how they are working with cultural preservation, resource planning, architecture and sustainability. The City of Malmö (Sweden) was invited to the Urban Best Practice Area concerning how we are working with urban planning, education for sustainable development and renewable energy.How to describe the Expo? The whole thing is a bit unreal - a mix of amusement park, meets Las Vegas, meets UN, meets MESPOM... in short, it’s the world on stage, China style! Despite

its lofty goals however, a lot of it falls short of sustainability; centring instead on tourism and product marketing. There are examples of renewable energy, eco-building, green spaces, and urban/ transport planning; but with so much information it is overwhelming to take in. The national pavilions are certainly impressive - an architect’s dream to design anything that can actually be brought into reality; equipped with fancy restaurants, meeting rooms and interactive museums. More uncomfortable is realising that after 6 months, many of these buildings will be demolished and the space recreated for an entirely different purpose.Despite the pros and cons of the expo however, it has brought the world to Shanghai. During the inauguration of the Swedish Pavilion, I had coffee with the Swedish Ambassador to China, discussing CSR, citing examples from MESPOM. There are also many EU and national ministers, researchers, media as well as national, local and UN personnel.

In the Malmö Pavilion, themed ‘Making Sustainability Reality’, we were interviewed by Chinese media and ministerial representatives concerning how to transition from heavy industry (20 years ago Malmö’s economic base came from ship-building and textiles) to a more sustainable city with a diversifi ed economy (today Malmö has a largely service-based/clean

During policy-making processes, Greenpeace is engaged from the drafting though adoption to implementation phase, however the type and level of engagement varies. For example, while the European Commission is drafting the legal document, the political advisers track and infl uence policy process with desk offi cers at technical level and with Commissioners and their staff at political level. In the second phase, when the European Parliament and the Council agree on the text, national and Brussels-based campaigners meet Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and propose progressive solutions and voting lists. Working with the Ministers’ Council is the responsibility of national offi ces, and the European Unit supports their work with timelines, briefi ng papers, power analyses etc. Once the decision is adopted Greenpeace offers its perspective to the media and then follows the implementation.One might wonder how effective is Greenpeace’s work in Brussels, knowing that there are over 10’000 lobbyists in Europe’s capital. After working there for nearly two years, I can proudly say, the Unit and the organization is very successful in infl uencing policy processes. I could see the direct effects of our work day after day as drafts were modifi ed, votes were changed, and legal procedures were stopped or accelerated.


tech economy). Certainly, not all lessons are transferable, but the World Expo provides the opportunity to share strategies, concepts and policies; and the opportunity to view and learn from other examples.On a more personal note: the expo helped re-kindle MESPOM connections. Mengmeng Cui (Batch 1) is living and working in Shanghai. After 3 years, it was fun to catch up on personal and professional developments and relive MESPOM memories. Upon her continued hospitality, I travelled to Beijing, climbing the Great Wall with her parents. While in Beijing I also met up with fellow MESPOMer Lijian Zhao (Batch 1) and attended a conference he helped organise, linking climate change and air quality. It has been a great month of May in China, working at the Expo and reliving lessons and memories of MESPOM. In reference to such memories; I look forward to seeing many of you in Budapest for the Inaugural MESPOM Reunion!

Tacos, Tequila and Traffi c—life in Mexico City Alejandra Roman (USA, MESPOM 07-09)

After a wonderful graduation in Budapest, I headed back to the states to fi gure out what to do next. After several months of fruitless job searches, an opportunity came about to live in el Distrito Federal (otherwise known as Mexico City), Mexico’s capital whose metropolitan area is home to more than 21 million people—the heart and soul of Mexico. I said yes, and for the past six months I have been living in Polanco, a very European-like colonia or neighborhood in Mexico City. I rarely received positive feedback when I mentioned my moving to a city that is notorious for its pollution. Yet Mexico City amazed me in so many ways. Yes, many streets are still strewn with litter, water out of the faucet is not potable, and traffi c in most areas is unbearable, but Mexico City, an amalgam of old and new, is a fascinating, cosmopolitan city that has lots to offer including remarkable cuisine, museums, markets and cultural events. From an environmental perspective, I was also surprised. For one, the air was a lot cleaner than I expected it to be—I have rarely seen a hazy

day. Even locals say that the air has improved a lot in recent years as older cars are taken off the road and new buses that run on natural gas provide a cleaner transportation option for the masses. However, as I primarily rely on walking to get around the city, in congested areas I can feel the effects of air pollution. But, once away from the main roads, most of the streets are lined with trees and there are plenty of parks and green spaces—the City is surprisingly lush with vegetation. What is more, the surrounding mountainous areas provide a fresh escape from city. There are also advertisements everywhere promoting more effi cient water use and energy conservation. Recently, the City began installing EcoBici stations in certain neighborhoods (a bike sharing program, similar to the system Barcelona has). Also, as a rapidly growing city, there appears to be much focus on how to achieve a low-carbon economy. Mexico City may still be raucous, crowded and polluted, but at least there is promise of it becoming cleaner and more sustainable in the future. As for what I have been doing there, I have been working for a very small NGO called AIDA: Asociación Interamericana para la Defensa del Ambiente (Inter-American Association for Environmental Defense) whose mission is to develop transnational strategies to address the environmental and human rights challenges of the 21st century. Recently, I collaborated with them on writing a report that addresses the consequences of large-scale hydroelectric dams on the environment and human rights in Latin America.While working for AIDA has been a great opportunity, I am still looking for a more full-time, long-term job either here or back in the USA. But I cannot complain… life in Mexico is good.

An EcoBici stationMe at the top of a crater in Nevado de Toluca National Park, outside Mexico City

Career Pathways


Career pathways

Career path in MongoliaErdene Nyamjav (Mongolia, MESPOM 06-08)

After graduating MESPOM, I worked on a few environmental impact assessment (EIA) short-term projects in Mongolia. Then I joined the strategy development team tasked to design a landscape based biodiversity conservation strategy for the Altai Mountains of Mongolia. This project was run by UNDP Mongolia through Global Environmental Facility funds. My task was mostly to collect data and to assist in writing the strategy paper. With MESPOM background, I had no diffi culty working with different stakeholders. On data side, I worked with biologists, zoologists, botanists and GIS specialists. I also corresponded with policy makers, NGO representatives and government offi cials as well. MESPOM classes that touched base with various faces of the environment indeed helped to understand academics, policy makers and the public. My team successfully completed the strategy in a tight deadline. Upon completion of the project, I was accepted as a Programme Fellow for Science and Institutional Affairs for the Asia Pacifi c Network for Global Change Research (APN). APN is an intergovernmental network, fostering global change research in the region. Again, MESPOM was instrumental for me to have fundamental understanding of the environment, and I can easily appreciate the regional context of the research and engage in respective management. My work is very interesting and builds on what I gained from MESPOM. For your research endeavor, I would like to encourage the MESPOM family who are interested and working in the region to look up updates and opportunities of APN. It could be timely to apply for research proposals or to collaborate in a numerous other merits. Please take a look at APN website for more information, URL: www.apn-gcr.org

Erasmus Mundus – European Chapter launchSilvia Ceauşu (Romania, MESPOM 07-09)

On 7-8 May the Erasmus Mundus European Chapter was launched in Bucharest, Romania. The event took place on the occasion of the Graduate Education Fair held in the Romanian capital city at the Parliament Palace. The members of the newly established Chapter represented and promoted Erasmus Mundus among students and young professionals in Bucharest. They also took the opportunity to discuss among themselves and set the priorities for the future.The European Chapter is meant to reunite the European students enrolled in Erasmus Mundus master and doctoral programmes. The boundaries of the Chapter are defi ned by the Mediterranean Sea to the South and the CIS to the East. But at the same time, the European Chapter remains open towards students from other countries and regions as well and welcomes any participation in its activities through affi liated memberships. The aims of the European Chapter are to promote the Erasmus Mundus programme among prospective candidates, universities and employers in Europe; to encourage cultural and academic exchanges between Europe and the rest of the world; and to support and welcome the Erasmus Mundus students, including those from other regions. The activities of the European Chapter will include maintaining and strengthening the academic and professional networks of the Erasmus Mundus alumni and students; supporting the communication and cooperation between the European national structures; offering relevant information to non-European students; organizing social events for the Erasmus Mundus students; and supporting and representing the interests of the European students enrolled in EM programs.

Courtesy of Ines Proenca, Copyright 2010.

Erasmus Mundus News


The Chapter will be headed by a President and a Vice-president. Currently three teams are formed inside the European Chapter: the Welcome and Support Team – managing the information provided to EM students and coordinating social events; the Promotion Team – promoting EM programs among students, universities and companies; the Networking Team – coordinating the country representatives and the national structures, supporting the students and alumni network in Europe. In the future, a new team will be formed – the Jobs Team – which will promote Erasmus Mundus on the European labour market. The conclusions of this initial meeting of the EM European Chapter referred mainly to the need for a better promotion of the Erasmus Mundus programme and for a wider dissemination of the information regarding the new rules of the programme, the importance of encouraging and strengthening the communication between the members of the Erasmus Mundus Students and Alumni Association, the urgency of fi xing the defi ciencies of the electronic communication systems of the association, and the initiation of a series of actions designed to welcome and improve the experiences of the new Erasmus Mundus students. The discussions and planning of the future activities of the Chapter will be continued through e-mails. Any participation and contribution to the Erasmus Mundus European Chapter is welcome. The Chapter’s e-mail address is [email protected]. We strongly believe that a better visibility of the Erasmus Mundus programme means a greater advantage for students and alumni on the job market and in the academic world. Therefore do not hesitate to send your ideas and suggestions!

Courtesy of Ines Proenca, Copyright 2010.

My experience as an active member of EMATahia Devisscher (Bolivia, MESPOM 05-07)

Since its establishment in 2006, the Erasmus Mundus Students and Alumni Association (EMA) has been working constantly to advance the Erasmus Mundus programme and to offer a platform where students and alumni can exchange information and experiences. After graduating from MESPOM, I joined EMA and since then I have been involved in different activities to promote Erasmus Mundus.

In 2007 the idea of creating an EMA - Latin American (LA) Chapter started to take shape as a regional network of Latin American students and alumni from the Erasmus Mundus programme. In June 2008 the EMA-LA Chapter was offi cially launched at the EMA General Assembly in Perugia. Since then the Chapter has been growing and currently it has more than 150 members coming from 15 different countries across Mexico, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. The main goal of the EMA–LA Chapter is to create a network of Latin Americans participating in the Erasmus Mundus programme in order to improve the quality of their educational experience, to enhance the networking and professional opportunities after graduation and to provide information for prospective Erasmus Mundus candidates coming from the LA region. With time similar regional chapters have been created within EMA. The fi rst chapter was the Chinese one, then the Latin American chapter followed, and now there are several chapters and team pro-chapters conducting a range of

Promoting Erasmus Mundus at the 2009 ExpoBelta Fair in Sao Paulo. In the picture: Chunyu Liang (MESPOM 05-07, current EMA President), Tahia Devisscher (MEPSOM 05-07, current EMA-LA Chapter President).

Erasmus Mundus News


Erasmus Mundus News

Four Countries. Four Weddings. One Man.Wayne J Pan (USA, MESPOM 07-09)

While most people look for work after graduating, I have been busy attending weddings. No, no, not my own – but those of my friends and my classmates. One of the benefi ts of being part of a group of students as diverse as MESPOM’s always is, is that when your classmates get married, it is almost always going to be in some exotic, far-off location. Late last year, I was in the crazy position of being invited to four weddings in the span of fi ve months – two of which were my good friends from MESPOM. Never one to go against the whims of the heavens, I decided to turn the whole thing into a blog and book project, focused on the lives of the intrepid, new, upwardly-mobile, global middle class that all of MESPOM belongs to.Thus, since the end of 2009, I have been adding ridiculous amounts of carbon (American-guilt alert) to my already high footprint, in fl ying to weddings in Hanoi, Honolulu, Nairobi, and Mumbai. Along the way, I’ve also backpacked through parts of Vietnam, the Philippines, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, and India. I’ve also stopped in Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Dubai. I am happy to report that Quynh and Flora both had amazing and beautiful weddings! In addition to the pictures here, you can see more (and read more!) about the weddings and my adventures on my blog: http://www.backpackinginasuit.com, or join my Facebook page (search for Backpacking in a Suit) for continuing updates also.

For those of you not in the know, MESPOM batch 3 has been rather active in starting the next phase of their lives! In addition to Quynh and Flora, I think at least 5 others have gotten

activities and spreading the word on Erasmus Mundus around the world. The Chapter Forum is where all the representatives of the Chapters meet to discuss and coordinate initiatives. The Chapter Forum will take place for the second time at the 2010 EMA General Assembly in Madrid. I look forward to being there and meeting again the enthusiastic group of EMA and Chapters’ representatives and discuss ideas and plans for the years ahead as well as the lessons learned from activities conducted over the past years. This is my last year as the EMA-LA Chapter President, and I am excited to see how the boat will continue sailing as it keeps growing and evolving over time. I am not the only MESPOMer that has been highly involved in the activities of EMA. MESPOM is actually one of the most active masters courses within EMA and several MESPOMers have kick-started important initiatives. It is really great fun and it is an amazing opportunity to exchange with alumni and students from other Erasmus Mundus masters courses (and now doctorate courses!) and create a multi-disciplinary network that is truly global. If you have not registered with EMA and you would like to join or just read more about it, check www.em-a.eu

EMA General Assembly in Perugia (2008). In the picture: Jennifer Lenhart (MESPOM 05-07, Coordinator of the Pro-motion EMA Service Team), Tahia Devisscher (MESPOM 05-07, EMA-LA Chapter President).

Around the world


married or announced their upcoming marriages since we graduated, including our very fi rst all-MESPOM couple, whose ardent denials throughout our course have fi nally proven to be complete falsehoods. In-person beatings are more than justifi ed. Rather than reveal names here, I’ll leave it to the classmates in question to alert and inform – everyone is of course more than welcome to start the rumor mill on our still-working google group though! (Wink wink.)

Other than weddings, I’ve also seen others around the world in the course of my travels. It’s amazing how many people you can see while traveling with a network as diverse as MESPOMs. In fact, I’ve even met people from events I attended during MESPOM (a wonderful friend I made during the Planet in 2050 conference introduced to me to a friend in Botswana for instance). It has been fun, enlightening, and heartening to know that virtually anywhere I go in the world, I can fi nd a friend.So, while I know that I’ve been incredibly lucky to travel around the world this year, let me make sure to put it out there – you never know who you will meet and when you will meet them from MESPOM. We are an incredibly

Around the world

mobile group of people, and it’s possible to see classmates in random places. We’ve already had mini-reunions in Copenhagen, Montreal, and Nairobi, and if we keep in touch well, I am sure that we will continue to have more in the future! In the meantime, I hope that the bigger MESPOM reunion in Budapest this year is the fi rst of many, and that all of us get a chance to meet and create an even bigger and more intimate network in the future!


Around the World

The Toy StorySaatvika Rai (India, MESPOM 05-07)

During one of my journeys to the Western Ghat forests, colourful objects displayed along the highway compelled me to stop along the way. There was something familiar about those colours, and I realised that these objects were the toys I played with as a child! I was at the historic town of Channapatna, known as the “toy-town” of the State of Karnataka. Channapatna is an hour drive from Bangalore city. Toys from this town have reached all across the globe, and today this traditional craft is protected as a geographical indication (GI) under the World Trade Organisation.The art of making wooden toys goes back many centuries to the ruler Tipu Sultan (1750-1799). Persian artisans were invited to train the local artisans of his empire. For nearly two hundred years, wooden toys were made using ivory-wood (Wrightia tinctoria tree or Aale mara), with occasional use of rosewood and sandalwood. However, today with changing times, the craft also uses other woods such as rubber, sycamore, cedar, pine and teak. After the wood is procured and seasoned, it is cut into desired shapes. Each toy is neatly hand crafted by pruning and carving the cut wood. Vegetable and natural dyes are used as colour to ensure that the toys are safe for use by children. At Channapatna, ‘Lac’ colouring has been popular since ancient times. It is locally produced from a resinous secretion of Lac-producing insects. The lacquered pieces are then buffed to give it the glossy fi nish. The pieces are then assembled by hand, generally by women, to complete the items. With the advent of plastic and metal toys at much cheaper rates,


Around the world

the art of wooden toys was almost wiped out a few decades ago. The Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation (KHDC) provided assistance to the artisans and manufacturers to revive the art, and till today the government continues to give support. The toys have also slowly evolved to hold greater appeal to the western markets. Apart from the traditional dolls and toys, new designs include cars, bikes, trains, tops, boxes, key chains, bangles and accessories. However, although exports provide opportunities for large orders, there is also a greater risk of such an order getting rejected with a slight fault in even one toy. Yet as I visited the wooden toy factories and shops at Channapatna, each piece to me seemed perfectly crafted and it brought out the child in me as I happily fi lled my shopping bag with colourful items for friends and family.


Personal News

Inter-Masters RelationsRachelle Bissett-Amess (Australia, MESPOM 05-07)

When I fi rst signed up for MESPOM, I hoped at best to pass my thesis and gain a Masters degree. Little did I know I would also gain a husband… but I think our lovely Professor Lars Hansson knew! During my fi rst days of semester three in Lund, I had a pleasant lunch with Lars who couldn’t seem to stop telling me about all the couples who had met in the IIIEE and that I shouldn’t be shocked if it happened to me too. Yeah right… I’d already met all the EMP lads and none of them seemed well… very promising… although there was that interesting Portuguese guy who could be cute if he’d just shut up for fi ve seconds! Armed with the checklist of the perfect man that Draga and I had conjured up in the back of the Lesvos municipality building while trying to avoid being picked as group leaders, this Portuguese guy actually passed the test and “voila” not only did MESPOM give me a new degree and a new career, it also gave me my husband! João and I married in Lisbon in a gorgeous old castle last September and we were so overwhelmed to have our beloved MESPOM, EMP, MSc and IIIEE friends with us Lars, of course, regaled the guests (17 different nationalities) with a speech on the cost benefi t analysis of love, while Håkan gave away some of the stories we thought were class secrets. No gathering would be complete without a dramatic late entrance from Draga, hitchhiking overnight from Madrid to be with us. At 4am the next morning when all the MESPOM’s were still awake and dancing, I have to say that I have never been so happy and that is something that cannot be explained in the course outline! Thank you to my dear friends for being there for me. I can’t wait for our next meeting.

Wedding in KenyaFlora Wambui Mutuga (Kenya, MESPOM 07 -09)

I got married on March 6th 2010. Two of my MESPOM classmates attended my wedding Marsha Mason from Jamaica and Wayne Pan from the USA. My Husband’s name is Frank Koine and our wedding was in Karen Blixen Museum grounds, Nairobi Kenya. I have attached a few photos, the fi rst is of my husband and I together with Marsha and Wayne


Personal News

Tahia Devischer (Bolivia, MESPOM 05-07) was invited to publish her Masters Thesis. The title of the book is “Sustainability Analysis of Biofuel Production in Developing Countries: Linking National Perspectives with Ground Realities in Malaysia”. See: http://www.sei-international.net/publications?pid=1525

Irina Arakelyan (Armenia, MESPOM 05-07) was presented with The James Sumner Award, which provides a bursary to fi nance a Graduate or Student Member of the Chartered Institute of Waste Management in attending a major international conference concerned with waste management. Irina used the bursary to attend the Waste and Climate 2009 Conference in Copenhagen, where she took part in a number of workshops and seminars looking at how effective waste management can mitigate against climate change. See: http://www.futuresourceuk.com/CIWM/Awards/ProfessionalAwards/james_sumner.aspx

Márta Vetier (Hungary, MESPOM 05-07) was interviewed by the careers’ feature of the journal of Science. She explains her way into a policy career pathway in Europe. You can read the article online at: http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_magazine/previous_issues/articles/2009_10_16/caredit.a0900125

Congratulations to everybody!

New generationsMárta Vetier (MESPOM 05-07)

One more reason to protect the environment! My son, Benedek Barcza-Vetier was born on 4 February 2010. He is a wonderul child, the big-gest miracle of my life so far.

Dear all,Your input is very welcome to the next issue of the MESPOM alumni newsletter, which I plan to put together during the fi rst months of 2010. I am waiting for articles for the following sections:

1. Knowledge and experience sharing: write about recent developments in your fi eld or about special projects that you are participating in etc – focusing not on yourself but on the issue.

2. Research: input from PhD students and those involved in research projects is especially welcome!3. Reviews of conferences, books, websites etc.: share information sources that might be useful for others! Send me the bibliographic details

and a few words about it.4. Private life: did you get married, engaged or had children? Send me a short description of the event and maybe a few pictures.5. Travels: write a few words about the city where you are living or about a country that you have visited. Send a few pictures along!6. Letters

Practicalities:− If you intend to have it published under 'Knowledge sharing', ‘Research’ or 'Reviews' give your article a title.− Keep in mind that many people in the alumni don't know you, write your articles in a manner that makes it interesting to read even for alumni

from other batches than yours!− Always include your full name, country and batch number.− Avoid abbreviations or explain them in the text.− Length: 50-500 words per article.− File format: MS Word or Open Offi ce Writer document; images, graphs and tables in separate fi les.− Font: Times New Roman, size 10, no lines between paragraphs, justifi ed− Images, graphs, tables etc.: in separate fi les (jpg, odt, jpg, tif, gif or bmp)− Email everything to my fi [email protected] e-mail address with the subject: “alumni newsletter”

Warm regards,Marta Vetier

Publications and Awards


MESPOM theses

First name Last name Thesis title

Akua Mwendalubi

Addo-Boadu Human-wildlife confl ict management around Kakum Conservation Area, Ghana

Kara Allen The Few, The Basic, The Hardy: Characterizing Fungal Communities in High pH Environments

Vaseem Ashraf Inter-State Water Issues in India - Root causes and guiding principles for confl ict resolutions

Dinko Bilić Investigating the development of forest-based bioenergy - Transferring knowledge from Sweden to Poland

Natalia Capelán Straw-based electricity generation - Confl icts and opportunities in Spain

Alvin Chandra Community Networks, Coping Sectors and Changing Tides: A Case Study of Climate Change Adaptation Governance in Nadi River Basin, Fiji Islands

Mònica Coll Besa Climate Change, Vulnerability and Coping mechanisms: A Case Study on rural women’s perceptions along coastal Tanzania

Jesse Eckert Adapting Organizational Models for Tanzania’s Rural Communities - An exploration of meeting Tanzania’s rural communities energy needs with community energy projects

Aishan Hsieh Analysis of Drivers and Barriers for Personal Computer Re-use - A case study of secondary PCs in Taiwan

Anastasiya Idrisova Climate Change Impact on Biodiversity and its Implications for Protected Areas Management - Case study of Dashtidjum Zakaznik, Tajikistan

Md Badiuzzaman

Khan Methane and carbon dioxide fl ux from peat soils and rice fi elds

Kayoung Kim Addressing arsenic: making the case for a policy standard for arsenic concentration in rice to refl ect health risks

Elena Kmetova Habitat model for the restoration of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Bulgaria

Purnima Ashok

Kumar Comfortable Consumption: A Practice based approach to understanding consumption in Hyderabad, South India

Lu Linfeng The Emerging Concept of Photo Tourism - Söderslätt as a case

Dear new MESPOM graduates, congratulations for completing the programme! We wish you all a very successful and happy career. Welcome to the alumni association. We hope to get to know you in person and stay in touch in the future!

The fourth MESPOM batch is graduating this year, amazing. Below, you can read the excit-ing topics they have chosen to write their theses about. They have their defence on 14-16 June in Budapest; and hopefully soon after we can all read the theses online at www.mespom.eu


First name Last name Thesis title

Erin B. Marchington Rural Development in Thethi - Pursuing sustainable tourism in an Albanian mountain community

Cristabel Meza Manjarrez

Potential for the adoption of vermicomposting to stabilize sewage sludge in Mexico - Viewpoints from the main actors

Milos Milicevic Factuality of Truth: An Alternative Look at Popular Environmental Documentary Film Narratives

Lauren Othon Contested Streets, Contested Technology - The Appropriation of the Bicycle and the Performative Politics of Critical Mass in Budapest and Prague: A Case Study

Andres Pena Analysis of electricity consumption patterns in Hungarian households

Maria Petrasova Roadmaps for a Sustainable Energy Future Self Supply for the Tourism Island of Spiekeroog in 2030

Vaida Pilibaityte Nuclear Energy Discourses in Lithuania and Belarus

Jing Qui Towards Improving Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Wind Power Projects in China

Ralph Ripken The Desertec project: a new resource curse for countries in North Africa and the Middle East?

Pragya Shrestha Multiple-Use water Service (MUS): Cost Effectiveness and Contribution towards Poverty Reduction. A case study of Nepal

Jelena Stanic Celebration or Alarm bell? The Challenges of Environmental Communication at Environmental Festivals

Soultana Stylianidou The role of “Environment” domain as a determinant of aboriginal community health of the Fond du Lac Denesuline First Nation in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada: A local perspective

Kanat Sultanaliev Climate Change implications for the hydropower industry in Naryn river basin, Kyrgyzstan

Annemieke van den Dool China’s Sloping Land Conversion Program in Pingzhang village, Yunnan province - Effective, effi cient, sustainable?

Tatirose Vijitpan Climate Change Adaptation in Thailand: Exploration of No-Regrets Measures in the Policy Framework

Nara Wisesa Coastal Coexistence - Community Conservation in Wakatobi National Park, Indonesia

Chunsheng Yao The Prospects for Biogas Systems in Rural China - Incentives, Barriers and Potentials

Njisuh Zebedee Feka The Value of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation & Degradation to Local Communities Livelihoods and Forests: A Case Analysis of Cameroon

MESPOM theses

mespom alumni newsletter 03mespom.eu/sites/mespom.eu/files/basic_page/field_attachment/mes… ·...

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