The IORA, in person of a South Africa, one on the IORA Member States, organize a workshop about the Advancing Cooperation in Marine Science and Technology Innovation for Ocean Sustainability and Biodiversity Conservation in the Indian Ocean Region the meeting on “Fostering solidarity, equality, and sustainable development” that will held in from 29-30 May 2025 at the University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
The registration for Member States delegates and Dialogues Partners is mandatory by using that link: https://forms.gle/BvXhKpyD4g6eCQvVA
Proposal
While several IORA Member States are advanced in terms of sustainable ocean management systems, others are not, and it is envisaged that a one-day workshop for Member States, Dialogue Partners and other organisations is convened with the aim to set an IORA marine science RDI research agenda through:
Objectives
- Share Knowledge and Research: Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and scientific findings, case studies and best practices in marine science and ocean governance related research development and innovation (RDI) activities.
- Create Awareness: Enhance understanding of nations ocean-related challenges and to address it through sustainable management strategies and policy interventions/ guidelines
- Foster Collaboration: Encourage networking and foster collaboration among the participants to develop effective sustainable management strategies and guidelines for building coastal resilience.
Envisaged Outcomes of the workshop
- A detailed report including discussions, recommendations, and actionable steps.
- A draft cooperation framework that addresses regional marine science and ocean governance challenges and promote innovative solutions for the advancement of sustainable ocean management in the Indian Ocean region.
- List of activities to be incorporated in the revised work plan
Target Audience:
- Policymakers and government officials
- Marine technology developers
- Environmental scientists and researchers
- NGOs and community leaders
- Industry representatives
Funding
Funding for the workshop will be provided by South Africa, with an application to the Special Fund to provide up to fifty percent of required funds.
Host
The Workshop will be hosted by South Africa, in the margins of the 4th Working Group for Science, Technology, and Innovation meeting.
4th Working Group for Science, Technology, and Innovation meeting
The Working Group for Science, Technology, and Innovation was established in 2020 with the vision to build ‘a common sustainable developmental agenda through sharing of knowledge and best practices and capacity building on a government-led multilateral platform to strengthen academic, scientific and technological cooperation among Member States and giving it shape through a project-based approach to promote developmental partnerships.
The purpose is to seek to create a common platform for policy makers from the IORA Member States, who are in-charge of science, technology and innovation domains, to work together in implementing the agreed activities with the WGSTI Work Plan through which cooperation in science, technology and innovation can be facilitated, leading to the success of the IORA Action Plan.
Proposal
Member States, Dialogue Partners, the RCSTT, and NAM S&T Centre will be invited to the Workshop and the 4th WGSTI meeting that will take place on Day 2, i.e. after the workshop.