Press Release: Partnership on Science to Policy Forum for policymakers and key stakeholders

In collaboration with the Indian Ocean Commission and the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change hosted the Partnership on Science to Policy Forum at the Coral Strand Hotel, Beau-Vallon this morning. The Partnership on Science to Policy Forum is a follow up to Decision CP8/12 which called for the establishment of a platform for science to policy dialogue at COP8 that was held in June 2015, in Seychelles.

Policymakers, Scientists and different stakeholders from Western Indian Ocean Countries

In the same meeting, the Contracting Parties also recommended that regular science to policy dialogues be organized to provide the continuous interaction between policy makers and related stakeholders.

The intent of the forum is to develop the terms of reference, mode of operation and composition of the Science to Policy Platform. The meeting is expected to make better understanding of the interaction between science and policy with a view to promote science based management of the marine and coastal environment of the Western Indian Ocean region. Moreover, the meeting is promote and strengthen partnerships between the science community and the Nairobi Convention, policy relevant scientific assessments of the coastal and marine environment in the WIO region, and increased networking and dialogue between scientists, civil society, private sector, policy and decision makers.

Representatives from Kenya, Somalia and Mauritius

Representatives of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and the Indian Ocean Commission

Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change Didier Dogley and Hon. Dr. Ylenia Randrianarisoa, Secretary of State in charge of the Sea, from Madagascar