As noted earlier in this report, ICLARM has been constrained to date by a lack of infrastructure and of research facilities. In a recent development, the Government of Egypt, through the Chair of the CGIAR, offered ICLARM extensive facilities that include the use of the Central Laboratory for Aquaculture Research at Abbassa (including administrative and research facilities and residential housing) and access to the Maryut Marine Fish Hatchery, Lakes Manzella and Bardawil and marine ecological preserves at the Red Sea. ICLARM has responded positively to the offer of negotiations on the use of these facilities but is proceeding cautiously, setting a number of conditions that must be met during these negotiations. The Panel concludes that the Board and Management of ICLARM have proceeded correctly in considering this offer.
The Panel shares the excitement of some at ICLARM that the Egyptian offer provides tremendous opportunities, particularly for ex-situ conservation, as well as laboratory and outdoor facilities. The Panel agrees, however, that negotiations should proceed with caution, under the terms and conditions laid out by the Board of Trustees. The Panel recommends that, in considering the Egyptian facilities, due consideration must be given not only to administrative, financial and logistical aspects but also to the technical issues surrounding the feasibility of these proposed sites for ICLARM's research activities, against the framework of ICLARM's strategic plan and the implications for ICLARM's priorities. The Panel is also concerned about the implications of the use of these facilities for ICLARM's budget and notes that additional resources will be required by the Center to service and manage them adequately. The Panel also brings to the attention of TAC the possible implications of a major involvement by ICLARM in Egypt for CGIAR priorities and strategies.
At the same time, the Panel is concerned about the lack of progress in the negotiation of a Headquarters Agreement with the Government of the Philippines and the selection of a headquarters site. The Panel recommends that ICLARM's Board and management continue to investigate the opportunities for a headquarters site and capital facilities in the Philippines.
