On 23 June at Tangkuk Priok Harbor in Jakarta, Indonesia the Nansen Indian Ocean voyage kicked off with a reception and a guided tour of the research vessel, the Dr. Fridthof Nansen.
The FAO Representative to Indonesia, Mark Smulders, welcomed dignitaries and participants to the event and stressed the importance of the Nansen project, which aims to strengthen the knowledge base of marine resources and ecosystems important to us all.
“Oceans, seas, and coastal areas provide a vital source of nutritious food, employment, recreation, trade and economic well-being for millions of people around the world and other goods and services that are vital for the very existence of life on earth. Furthermore, the essential role of oceans in sustainable development, including for poverty eradication, food security, and the creation of sustainable livelihoods has long been recognized.
Smulders pointed out that, “despite a growing concern over the degradation of marine ecosystems, knowledge is still very limited on the actual impact of the increasingly noticeable drivers of change,” and noted the importance of such research survey voyages to deepen our knowledge of our oceans and seas.
FAO’s Gabriella Bianchi, Senior Fisheries Resources officer, highlighted how international efforts in the 1960s to strengthen knowledge about Indian Ocean marine ecosystems and their resources resulted in the first International Indian Ocean Expedition. Fifty years later, this six-week Indian Ocean survey trip is preparing for the official launch of the Second Indian Ocean Expedition, to begin in December 2015. Among other areas of study, the expedition will focus attention on the possible impacts of climate change on the Indian Ocean.
His Excellency Indroyono Soesilo, Coordinating Minister of the Ministry for Maritime Affairs, Republic of Indonesia also spoke at the event of the importance of ecosystem research, especially for island nations such as Indonesia. Ms Hilde Solbakken, Chargé d’Affairs of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Indonesia reminded the audience about the long history of collaboration between Norway, FAO and partners on the Dr. Fridthof Nansen.
During the reception, participants had the opportunity to meet the international crew of scientists – 16 marine researchers from 12 countries – and to take a guided tour of the vessel.
26/06/2015