The Framework of Land Use and Land Cover Change Programme (LUCC) and Related Projects

Abstract

Land-use and land-cover changes in the world are now an important theme in the study of global environmental change. This paper first outlines the international programmes of IGBP International Geosphere Biosphere Programme (IGBP) and IHDP (International Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Programme), which are the fundamental programmes of global environmental research. Second, the framework of LUCC (Land Use and Land Cover Change programme) and related activities are explained with reference to the “Implementation St rategy for LUCC” issued in June 1999. Third, the research network in Japan centered at the LUCC committee of the Science Council of Japan, along with the guidelines of LUCC studies in Japan, is explained. Fourth, two typical examples of LUCCrelated projects, one conducted by IIASA in Austria and another by NIES in Japan, are introduced. Finally, there are some recommendations for LUCC studies in Japan.