Marine Science Strategy – Consultation Workshop
- Samoa Ocean Strategy
- Jun 21, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 20
The National University of Samoa - Faculty of Science hosted the second national consultation for the development of the Marine Science Strategy (the Science Strategy) on Friday the 22nd of July 2022. The Science Strategy contributes to the ongoing implementation of the Samoa Ocean Strategy (SOS) and specifically addresses the goals under the SOS Integrated Management Solution (IMS) Number 4: Improve scientific research, data collection and monitoring within Samoa’s ocean. To date, there has been no common view on what marine science and traditional knowledge (TK) gaps are needed to be put in place nor a coordinated approach to address this.
"The Marine Science Strategy is fundamental to provide a framework to enhance marine research alignment, strengthen collaboration and cooperation amongst stakeholders and partners working to improve availability of reliable data, quality information and knowledge on Marine Science and traditional knowledge (TK), to inform and support decision making for integrated ocean management” Taiatu Maria Satoa, MNRE-DEC.
The second national consultation workshop aims to capture the collective feedback and comments on the first draft for the Science Strategy from stakeholders representing Government Ministries, State-Owned Enterprises (SOE), Civil Societies, Academic Institutions and Inter-government Organizations. Furthermore, the workshop offers a platform for discussions that will build a shared understanding of the current status of Marine Science gaps, TK gaps and the potential priorities areas to be addressed.
“Education, public availability of information from the Strategy and consulting communities especially the rural areas, can help ensure the ongoing development of the Science Strategy,” Lorenzo Pelenato, NUS student.
The outcomes of the workshop will shape the development of the final Marine Science Strategy.
This work is supported by the partnership between Conservation International (CI), Waitt Institute and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) as contribution towards the successful implementation of the Samoa Ocean Strategy 2020-2030.
