Scientists from Taiwan are working with partners at H. J. Andrews and Luquillo in the US to develop a cross-site research project on the effects of disturbance. They are also encouraging regional involvement in a project on Decomposition Processes in cooperation with H J Andrews site. China will send a scientist to Andrews to work with staff there. The aim is to develop a longitudinal profile through East Asia. The North American Network held its first formal meeting during the ESA meeting in August, as reported elsewhere in this newsletter.
Regional interaction is already strong on a personal and site to site level.
Latin American networks are moving from planning into operation as well, as reported by Francisco Barbosa of Brazil. A small working group formed at the last regional meeting is charged with drafting an outline for a regional pilot project on the influence of El Nino in the region. Government funding and approvals have just been provided in Brazil that will greatly accelerate the consolidation of an operational network there. Scientists in the Uruguayan and Brazilian LTER networks are planning cross-site research on coastal processes. Venezuelan sites are initiating research in some topics that will have practical importance there, such as the impact of cattle grazing on grassland systems.