FAMS launched at 2016 Ocean Conference
Statement by Dr. Nirmal Jivan Shah in the Plenary session of Our Ocean Conference, Friday 16 September, U.S. State Dept., Washington D.C. USA
Two months ago in July the U.S. Science Envoy for the Ocean Dr. Jane Lubchenco partnered with the State Department, U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the African Academies of Science, the African National Young Academies, The World Academy of Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Global Young Academy to host a high level, scientific roundtable in Mauritius entitled “Advancing Ocean Sciences in Africa.”
I was joined at this unique roundtable by senior colleagues from academies of science and science institutions from all over Africa, from the North to the South to the Indian Ocean. Our mission? How do we upscale the relevance and use of ocean science in Africa; how do we grow African marine scientific capacity; and how can we , as African scientists, better communicate to and demystify ocean science for policy makers and the public.
As a result of this exciting roundtable I have great pleasure, on behalf of my colleagues, in announcing the launch of the Forum on African Marine Sciences – FAMS. This is a network between African science academies, universities, and organizations. FAMS wants to enhance communication and collaboration on ocean science, promote academic exchanges to strengthen capacity, and inform and underpin blue economy initiatives across the continent with good science.
Since July, participants have written articles, circulated ideas, and pledged to elevate ocean science agenda items for regional organizations and events. By launching the FAMS formally today, our wish is to cement our legitimacy as a new and quite unique resource for governments, businesses, donors, international organisations and others.
We strongly believe that marine and ocean scientists from Africa can add high net worth to public and private strategies for protecting our ocean. To make this mission possible we will need support from national and international partners including donors and philanthropic organisations We are eagerly looking forward to working with you. Thank you.