01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-07-0097 |
| Title of Abstract | Chasing ocean observations in Africa - The benefits and challenges of multilateral training research cruises - IIOE-2 - as an example |
| Authors | Mthuthuzeli Gulekana* |
| Organisation | Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment |
| Address | Foretrust Building, Martin Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Pincode: 8001 E-mail: mgulekana@dffe.gov.za |
| Country | South Africa |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | After the IOC of UNESCO and SCOR announced and launched the IIOE-2, South Africa undertook several national initiatives towards supporting the IIOE-2 programme within its identified themes. It was envisaged that South Africa⿿s participation will have a regional impact and leave a legacy for the region. South Africa⿿s Cabinet approved a proposal from the then Ministry of Environmental Affairs (DEA) (currently Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)) to use the research vessels, SA Agulhas II and RV Algoa, as research platforms in the region during the IIOE-2 period. Two regional training and research cruises undertaken in 2017 and 2018 onboard the SA Agulhas II with a regional coverage along South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania and Comoros. The two regional training and scientific cruises were undertaken onboard the SA Agulhas II with more than 100 (hundred) expert and early-career participants sourced from almost twelve (12) countries, namely, South Africa, Comoros, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, India, Egypt, France and Italy. Several disciplines were covered ranging from physical oceanography, bio-geochemical science, top predators. Several scientific reports, presentations, training workshops, peer-reviewed papers were produced. At least one high-learning degree was completed from the data collected during these cruises. The presentation will further address the challenges experienced during the planning and execution of the regional cruises including, but not limited to, diplomatic clearances, immigration, and shortage of funds to support participants. Several solutions were also proposed for the challenges experienced, and how these solutions can be beneficial to the regional activities related to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and/or extended IIOE-2 programme to fill the identified gaps. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | South Africa, regional cruises, SA Agulhas II, IIOE-2 |
| For Awards | no |