Global Change Systems for Analysis Research and Training

START is the global change SysTem for Analysis, Research and Training, a non-governmental research organization. We assist developing countries in building the expertise and knowledge needed to explore the drivers of and solutions to global and regional environmental change. Our goal is to reduce vulnerability through informed decision-making. Climate change, land and ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss are all drivers of global environmental change. Developing regions are not only particularly vulnerable to adverse impacts of these changes, but have very limited access to scientific and technical knowledge to assist in formulating solutions. This is the gap START seeks to fill.

Where We Work

START’s work spans Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, where it has a total of six regional centers and three regional nodes. These institutions promote regional research cooperation and provide a framework that supports assessments of relevance to policy-makers. START’s activities within each region are overseen by regional committees composed of scientists and members of national and regional bodies. The International START Secretariat, located in Washington, DC, coordinates START programs and activities.