Africa-Press – Mauritius. A two-day workshop gathering researchers on Western Indian Ocean National or International Seamounts, banks and submarine structures with the aim to discuss on multidisciplinary scientific approaches to support marine regional governance in the Western Indian Ocean, opened this morning, at the Belmont House in Port-Louis.
The Permanent Representative of Mauritius to the United Nations, Ambassador Jagdish Dharamchand Koonjul, and the Director General of the Department for Continental Shelf, Maritime Zones Administration and Exploration, Mr Rezah Badal, were present.
In his address, Ambassador Koonjul spoke of the progress that has been achieved in various projects concerning the Joint Management Area (JMA) namely the Monaco Expedition which has brought new insights and findings that will be useful for effective management and appropriate governance strategies.
He expressed gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme and the Global Environment Fund as well as other institutions of research which have supported a number of successful expeditions in the region.
As regards the workshop, Ambassador Koonjul indicated that it will equip policy and decision-makers with the requisite knowledge and data to identify key drivers of change in marine environment and human behaviour affecting the marine ecosystem.
He also underlined the importance of effective marine regional governance to address existing challenges and weaknesses and promote integrity in the joint management of the maritime zones.
For his part, Dr Badal highlighted the objectives of the workshop which are to identify scientific studies in the region to support management and governance of underwater formations; share findings of the Monaco Expedition; and discuss on transboundary issues and challenges.
The workshop, he said, also provides an important platform to synergise efforts of Mauritius and Seychelles for concrete decision-making and policies in terms of conservation of marine ecosystem and Sustainable Development Goals.
“It is an opportunity for both countries to strengthen their friendly ties and work together for a better and sustainable future “, he added.
For More News And Analysis About Mauritius Follow Africa-Press
