[Stoves] Report on APBC - first two days

[rongretlarson at comcast.net]

Biochar and stoves lists: 

  This to provide a short recap of the first two days of the Asian Pacific Biochar Conference (APBC2011) 

  Maybe 100 persons here – maybe 75 to 80 percent Japanese..   



  Regular contributors to these two lists who are here include Tom Miles (and wife and son),  John Miedema,  and Karl Frogner.  Apologies to other list members I don't recognize.  At least 10 other people I judge from Australia (Stephen Joseph, Lukas van Zwieten, Adraian Downie, and Annett Cowie being some I knew previously).   The final Plenary speaker of first day was Evelyn Krull  who gave a wonderful description of the great Biochar work going on in Australia (all or mostly CSIRO??).   They are working with 104 different chars – and identifying what makes each unique  (temperature, species, etc) 



    I know two here from Europe – maybe a few more.   Others from US (not or rarely writing to these lists are IBI's Debbie Reed and Johannes Lehmann).  The names of presenters are available at the APBC site.  Two stoves/Biochar list contributors who are in program but couldn't make it are Kelpie Wilson and Jason Aramburo  (and who are missed). 



   The first day,  Thursday, was in both Japanese and English – with everyone having earphones for the alternating translation need.  The outstanding talk for me was by IBI's Debbie Reed – giving an exciting summary of the growth of IBI.  About 11,000 hits on the website per month now - and 50% are new first time users each month.  Still plenty of growth in Biochar technical literature, etc.  Debbie gave more background and status on the forthcoming IBI draft standards.  Last night, I attended part of an ad hoc meeting on the standards – which should be available within weeks at the IBI site (for four weeks comment period).    Obviously a lot of work has gone into these standards – but a lot more still to be done. 



   Yesterday was all in 20 minute presentations in three parallel tracks.  The majority of the papers seemed to be soil-production related.  Unfortunately (my giving a talk) I missed several coming from Lukas van Zwieten's NSW group on success with N20 capture, but he says that is showing continued importance.  Quite a few talks that relate to the Science article by Dr. Wardle;  no firm answers yet – but conversely I heard nothing that supports the Wardle contention that Biochar causes excess CO2 release.   Adriana Downie gave several talks on her progress towards a new “PacPyro” firm that has just received a major multi-million grant and is going public.  I enjoyed a talk on LCA given by CSIRO's Annette Cowie. 



   Today I expect to learn a lot more about Japanese Biochar work as we get back to a single Plenary format and translation. Much evidence of Japan having done Biochar work for a long time – with a government-sanctioned program since the 1980's.   Also Johannes is scheduled for 40 minutes.  



   Many new people to meet.  Have enjoyed especially two potential funders from the ADB and FAO and researchers from the Philippines, Korea, and Uganda.  And of course many from Japan.  



    The city of Kyoto is exceptionally modern and well maintained – a major tourist town.  Prices seem close to double those I am used to.  A cash economy – with my having major difficulties with no (presently valid) ATM card!  Thanks to three listed above who could take my check in exchange for Yen!    



    Questions? 



Ron 
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